Li, Vivian Wei-Wei, and Krause, Amanda (2026) Attention, engagement and repetition in everyday music listening. In: [Presented at the Online Conference for Undergraduate Research in Australasia]. From: OCURA 2026: Online Conference for Undergraduate Research in Australasia, 24-25 September 2026, Brisbane, QLD, Australia and online.

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Abstract

Background Digital advancements have made music more accessible to listeners, shifting music consumption away from traditional means and towards smart devices, giving individuals considerable control over what they listen to. While prior research has shown that listening to music in daily life is rarely a standalone activity as it usually accompanies activities such as commuting, exercising or studying, research examining how and why people listen and pay attention to music in daily life is limited. Aims Therefore, this study aimed to examine the role of music listening as accompaniment to various activities in daily life. Specifically, it focused on the consistency of everyday listening preferences and practices, how individuals choose what songs to listen to, and the attention they give to music relative to the accompanying activities. Method A sample of 22 Australian residents (9 male, 12 female, 1 genderfluid; Mage = 28.63) participated in semi-structured online interviews. A reflexive thematic analysis of the transcripts is underway. Results Preliminary theme development has revealed patterns of music used for mood regulation, enjoyment, and social bonding. Preliminary patterns of consistent listening behaviours demonstrate how habitual listening can be grounded in preferred genres or artists. Additionally, there appears to be an inverse relationship in terms of attention between the activity and the music. Conclusion Study findings will extend our knowledge of how everyday listening behaviours are influenced by individual habits and preferences, as well as ways individuals engage with and attend to music daily. Findings will extend our knowledge on how the activity that music is accompanying may impact listening experiences and outcomes. Study fundings have practical implications for understanding how attention is budgeted across stimuli as well as how music and mood can influence each other.

Item ID:	94056
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Keywords:	psychology of music, music psychology, social and applied psychology of music, music identity, music listening, everyday music listening, background music, mood regulation, music selection, music choosing, control, choice, pleasure-arousal-dominance model
Date Deposited:	29 Sep 2026 23:21
FoR Codes:	52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5205 Social and personality psychology > 520505 Social psychology @ 40% 36 CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 3603 Music > 360301 Music cognition @ 60%
SEO Codes:	13 CULTURE AND SOCIETY > 1301 Arts > 130102 Music @ 60% 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280121 Expanding knowledge in psychology @ 40%
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