Listening to Taylor Swift can actually affect your mental health, according to science – for better AND worse

Taylor Swift’s music has touched millions of people across the world, including her new beau Travis Kelce, who recently said in an interview he has mastered the art of ‘not giving a f***.’

And it seems he’s not the only one benefitting from Taylor’s magic. Fans on Reddit describe being part of the Swiftie community as ‘almost cult-like, in the best way.’ Now, studies have started to suggest that her music can have a real, measurable effect on people’s mental health – and not always in a good way. While Taylor Swift is adored by millions, the effects of her music on her fans have not always been positive.

Some fans reported being left with post-concert amnesia after they were so overwhelmed by seeing her live after dreaming about it for so long.
Alli Spotts-De Lazzer, a therapist and mental health specialist from California, attended a discussion group with CalPsychiatry and led by a professor from the University of Kansas, which offers a course called The Sociology of Taylor Swift. Ms Spotts-De Lazzer said that part of the magic behind Taylor’s music is the ‘sense of belonging’ fans feel.

There is a tradition of trading friendship bracelets at her concerts, inspired by the lyrics on her song ‘You’re on Your Own, Kid’ from her album Midnights. Taylor sings about how the jewelry can help foster connection: ‘Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned / Everything you lose is a step you take / So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it / You’ve got no reason to be afraid.’

Travis Kelce also allegedly made a play for Taylor by attempting to give her a friendship bracelet. He admitted to his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center, Jason Kelce, that his stats have been much better since the pop star started attending his games. ‘When T Swift is at the game you average 99 yards; when your remaining friends and family are there you average 46.5 yards,’ Jason said. Her music has also fostered intergenerational bonding, Ms Spotts-De Lazzer said. Taylor Swift released her first album back in 2006, and her latest one dropped on Friday 27 October.