We take a look at how different types of music can have an effect on Kid's moods and what type of music is better for boosting happiness.

Music has had an effect on mental health for thousands of years. It has been used to convey mood and emotion. When something exciting is about to happen in a movie, for instance, the type of music being played alerts the viewer to that fact. Conversely, when a villain is lurking about in the dark, ominous music begins to play foreshadowing something awful is about to happen.

The musicputs the viewer in a particular frame of mind, letting them know what to expect, how to react, and how they shouldfeel. Similarly, a hard-core playlist featuring rap, heavy metal, or rock (to name a few genres) prepares the mind and body for an intense workout.

According to HealthyChildren.org, individual experiences affect our musical tastes and make people a certain way. For example, quiet lullabies calm fussy babies (and moms), majestic orchestras, and choral music can fill us with feelings of power and pride. Some music, however, despite the listener's supposed enjoyment, can have the opposite effect.

"In a study of 144 adults and teenagers who listened to 4 different kinds of music, grunge music led to significant increases in hostility, sadness, tension, and fatigue across the entire group, even in the teenagers who said they liked it," HealthyChildren.org reported. In another study, it was reported that pop, rock, oldies, and classical music made them feel optimistic and friendly.

Music has been used to treat depression and calm anxiety. It is often used in offices of medical professionals to help patients relax, and reduce worries about procedures. Relaxing and calming music, most notably classical music, because of its more complex structure, affect the brain in different ways than other genres such as rock and country music.

A 1993 study of college students showed them performing better on spatial reasoning tests after listening to Mozart sonata, which led to claims that listening to Mozart temporarily increased IQ. In 1998, Zell Miller, then governor of Georgiawanted to provide every newborn in the state with a classical music CD. Baby Mozart and other CDs featuring Mozart's music became extremely popular among pregnant mothers and mothers of newborns and toddlers.

The research concluded that classical music pathways in human brains are similar to the pathways used for spatial reasoning. Those pathways are turned on when listening to classical music, which allows for easier solutions to a math problem or a puzzle. But this is temporary. Once the music stops, the spatial skills fade. Music does not necessarily make us smarter; it allows us to relax, which helps us to think better.

Classical music may impact the brain differently than other genres, but it doesn't mean that other genres do not have benefits on brain development and cognitive function. Any musical genre helps build musical pathways in the brain which have positive effects on moods, which facilitates learning.

Related: Classical Music Helps Your Childs Mental & Emotional Development

One genre of music which tends to get a 'bad rap' when it comes to influencing mood is heavy metal. Heavy metal tends to conjure notions of 'head banging,' aggressive lyrics, and noise. It has been blamed for promoting suicide, mass shootings, and other anti-social behaviors. Gangster rap bears a similar burden.

However, an article in neuroscience news.com suggests that heavy metal, along with other genres of "rebellious" music, has health benefits for fans. The article claims that there are reasons that people align themselves with particular genres, mainly for a sense of belonging, or theycan identify with the lyrical themes or ideology reflected in the music-it can also be a reason todisassociate from what is considered popular, creating a feeling of independence and empowerment for the listener.

Research has shown that fans of heavy metal music tend to be open to new experiences, a characteristic resulting from enjoying music that is unconventional, intense, and complex. Recent studies have also shown that fans of heavy metal are not desensitized to violence as commonly assumed and that they had happier childhoods and were better adjusted in adolescence compared to their non-fan peers.

According to Ani Patel, an associate professor of psychology at Tufts University and author of Music, Language, and the Brain,music neuroscience is an emerging field of studystudying howthe human brain works. Patel explained to WBURthat knowing how and why music changes the brain may impact the value we place on it in terms of emotional development and maturity, social skills, and a child's commitment to achieving personal and educational goals.

At a time when arts funding is being cut from elementary school budgets, this is exceptionally good news, since studies have proven that musical education is instrumental for brain development in young children.

Certain styles of music will undoubtedly affect different people in different ways. People listen to music with specific intent. Happiness will be found in upbeat music. Lowkey, "downer" music allows the listener an opportunity toreflect upon the pain that is causing the sadness. People are attracted to a particular genre because they want to indulge in the experience that particular genre offers.

Several studies and research projects exist that explorethe undeniable connections between music, mood, and brain function. However, in order to learn howdeep the connection is, more research is necessary.

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Renee was born in Brooklyn, and grew up in Toronto, Ontario. She currently resides in the Boogie Down Bronx. She holds masters degrees in both childhood education and urban policy and administration. She is the proud mother of 7 year-old twins Zachary and Noah.

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Styles Of Music And How They Effect Kid's Moods, Explained - Moms