“This study.provides the first clean demonstration of violent lyric effects,” says lead author Craig Anderson, PhD, of Iowa State University.

Violent song lyrics may lead to violent behavior
July/August 2003, Vol 34, No. 7
Print version: page 15

Violent song lyrics increase negative emotions and thoughts that can lead to aggression, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Vol. 84, No. 5).

The results indicate a relationship between violent song lyrics and increased aggressive thoughts and feelings of hostility. Humorous violent songs also increased aggression levels, relative to humorous nonviolent songs, according to Anderson. The findings held even after the researchers controlled for the listeners’ gender and personality differences, as well as their reactions to the different performing artists and musical styles.
While more research on effects of violent lyrics must be done, says Anderson, yet another type of entertainment media, when referring to violence, “now has been demonstrated to have some negative effects.” ~ A. PALMER