The Specificity of National Identity in Music: Neuropsychological Impact on Emotion and Cognition

Abstract

The article analyses the relationship between art and national identity within the framework of neuroaesthetics and cognitive sciences. In this context, the study aims to examine how the temporal and semantic characteristics of national music affect the mechanisms of emotional regulation. Furthermore, it explores the music’s influence on the psyche. Emotional sensitivity manifested in national music directly influences one’s psycho-emotional state and cognitive processes. To investigate this, the empirical component of the study is based on a quantitative analysis of respondents’ musical preferences in stressful situations. The findings reveal links between integral, figurative, and cognitive emotional sensitivity to music, and susceptibility within visual and motor factors. In addition, the connections with personal characteristics are identified, including personality traits, musical preferences, and the use of music in everyday life. Taken together, these results support the concept of an integrated ability that arises from the interaction of differential sensitivities across various analysers. Importantly, this ability serves as the foundation for expressing diverse personal characteristics. Finally, the article verifies the hypothesis that fast-tempo music with complex content has a stronger influence on emotions than slow melodies, particularly when used to process negative emotions.