The impact of music on mood in public spaces: A systematic review

Music has long been recognized as a tool for influencing mood. However, little research has been conducted on how music affects mood in public spaces, particularly because of the subjective nature of affective experiences and the difficulties in administering objective tests outside of the controlled laboratory environment. This review evaluates the available literature on the impact of music on mood within six main categories of public spaces: (1) Recreational and Cultural, (2) Spiritual and Reflective, (3) Commercial and Hospitality, (4) Work-Related and Educational, (5) Transportational and Transitional, and (6) Healthcare, Wellness, and Safety. The literature reveals music serving as an emotional regulator in public spaces, fostering different moods depending on a variety of factors such as location and time of day. Music also induces cognitive and behavioral changes linked to mood. This article also reviews the gaps in the literature and recommends areas for further research, such as on the impact of different musical genres and the negative effects of music in public spaces. To our knowledge, this is the first review addressing music’s impact on mood in public spaces. The information compiled may be important for the future development of public soundscapes.