Do Lyrics of Pop Songs Matter for Message Processing?

• In Event: Processing Stories, Films, and Music

Abstract

Previous research has shown that pros-social song lyrics increase helping behavior for low-dangerous situations through identification. The present study wants extend this research by 1) analyzing effects of pro-social lyrics on helping behavior in moral courageous situations, 2) investigating the effect of pro-social lyrics on helping behavior in different conditions of follow-up, bystander addressed persuasive messages, and 3) clarifying the causal decision processes by which pro-social music exposure affects bystander interventions in moral courage situations. The study employed a 2 (pro-social versus neutral song) x 2 (testimonial versus objective message), between-subjects factorial experimental design. Pro-social song lyrics significantly decreased anti-social thoughts compared to neutral lyrics but cognitive thoughts are unrelated to any of the bystander decision variables. In line the general learning model and decision processes of bystander decisions, pro-social music directly increased responsibility perceptions. Identification and emergency awareness mediate the influence of testimonial-based persuasive messages on responsibility.

Authors

• Anja Kalch, Augsburg University

• Tino GK Meitz, Leibniz ScienceCampus Tübingen

• Carolin Mengele, U of Augsburg