The role of music characteristics on drivers’ anger regulation

This research investigates the influence of music on anger regulation. Previous research has highlighted the influence of music in preventing negative affect. However, little is known about the influence of music on the actual down regulation of negative affect. We study the influence of music on anger regulation in a driving simulator study. The results indicate that music with a positive valence and low to moderate arousal regulates anger and excessive speeding. This study adds to our understanding of the effect of music in anger regulation by demonstrating the positive effect on down regulation of emotion.