Music Exposure and Criminal Behavior: Perceptions of Juvenile Offenders

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine young offenders' perceptions of the relationship between exposure to music and their criminal behavior. Using a tool designed for the study, male felony offenders ages 12 to 17 were questioned about their music listening patterns and the perceived influence of listening on their offending fantasies and behavior. Rap music was the predominant choice across all participant profiles. While 72% of respondents believed that music influenced the way they feel at least some of the time, only 4% perceived a connection between music listening and their deviant behavior. Narrative comments provided by the youths were largely consistent with objective data. Most respondents believed in the reflection-rejection theory, in which music is perceived as a mirror of the adolescents' lives rather than a causative factor in their behavior. Two additional theoretical perspectives were espoused: drive reduction theory, which states that music serves as an expressive vehicle (thus reducing the likelihood of emotional and physical outburst); and excitation-transfer theory, wherein residual physiological arousal affects subsequent behavior. In the latter, music was perceived as harmful only when applied to preexisting states of negative arousal.

Impact of Integrated Arts Therapy: An Intervention Program for Young Female Offenders in Correctional Institution

“…First, the results of this study suggested that the implemented multimodal arts therapy intervention was useful in correctional setting to bring about appropriate behavioral changes among the participants during the intervention-a decrease of the frequency of aggressive behavior. Also, Cleveland (1992) found that an improvisational theater program, and Gardstrom (1999) suggest that music therapy intervention, may demonstrate a decrease in violence for the program participantsjuvenile delinquents. Secondly, the present results showed that emotional and conduct problems measured by the SDQ decreased during intervention.…”

The Therapeutic Value of Recording in Music Therapy for Adult Clients in a Concurrent Disorders Inpatient Treatment Facility

“…For these reasons, and that rap is a preferred genre by many of our clients, it is an integral focus of music therapy. The use of rap in music therapy requires a deep respect and understanding of rap history as an art form (Gardstrom, 1999;Tyson, 2002). Tyson came from a social work background and arguably is one of the first writers who brought to light the therapeutic benefits of hip-hop and rap, followed by several from the field of music therapy (Bednarz & Nikkel, 1992;Borling, 2017;Gallagher & Steel, 2002;Mössler, Chen, Heldal, & Gold, 2011;Gold et al, 2009;Gold et al, 2013;Vega, 2017;Viega, 2012).…”

Differences in Aggression, Attitudes Toward Women, and Distrust as Reflected in Popular Music Preferences

“…As Zillmann (1979) argued, "Exposure of the annoyed individual to materials featuring hostile and aggressive behavior perpetuates his or her elevated state of excitation" (p. 321). Gardstrom (1999) observed that an aroused state and exposure to heavy-metal and rap music contribute to negative attitudes and aggressive behavior.…”