YPIE Scientist: Anayiah Mitchell

Research: The Effects of K-Pop Music On People’s Mood, Behavior, and Self-esteem

Mentor: Charlotte Kleiman

Research Location: Bates College

Awards: Participant in Westlake Science Fair (2021)

Abstract:

K-Pop is a musical genre that consists of an assortment of other genres such as electronic, hip-hop, rock and R&B. In 2019, data from the Korean Foundation showed that there were more than 99 million fans worldwide who participate in fan clubs dedicated to South Korean culture, including K-Pop. 85% of the world’s population suffers from low self-esteem. The main purpose of this study is to identify and examine the effects of music on people’s self-esteem and changes in the person’s mood/behavior due to the fandom or artist. It was predicted that K-Pop will have a positive effect on the person’s self-esteem and mood/behavior. For this study, an online survey was distributed through various social media platforms. The participants were ages 15-30. There were 6 surveys with a total of 6 songs; 3 songs were K-Pop and the other 3 are from other genres. The song choices were selected based on similar valence scores, which is a measure of a pictographic scale. The Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) and the Semantic Differential Scale (SDS) were utilized in order to monitor the participants' emotions. It was expected that K-Pop will cause greater mood changes as compared to the other genres. The results of this study could show that K-Pop music as well as music in general, could be an effective way for people to increase their self-esteem.

Presentation Slides

About this Scientist:

Hello! My name is Anayiah Mitchell. I am currently a senior at Saunders Trades and Technical High School. I am currently majoring in Culinary Arts. For the fall of 2023, I plan to attend SUNY University at Albany. Where I will be double majoring in Criminal Justice and Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity. At the Regeneron Science Research program, my research was focused on finding the effects of K-Pop music or music in general on a person’s mood, behavior, and self-esteem.