Just a few days ago, Nobel Peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai recalled how she drew strength from Taylor Swift’s song ‘Love Story’ with her companions in Swat Valley, a region where music was once forbidden. She’s not the only one who finds Swift’s lyrics can embolden and elevate those navigating challenging circumstances. For Imtiyala Kichu, 23, Swift’s music is a profound source of therapy and comfort.
Swift’s lyrics and relatable themes have a personal resonance, especially for young girls grappling with low self-esteem and is the reason why mental health experts are studying them. As Imtiyala says, “I could process my emotions better.” Snehal K Alexander, 22, says, “The songs make me feel l could do anything.” Recently, researchers at the University of Vermont found that Swift’s openness about her struggles with body image and disordered eating positively influenced her fans. Can Swift’s song indeed help as a complementary strategy during counselling sessions among the young? Listen in:
How are songs therapeutic?
According to Dr Arti Anand, clinical psychologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, Swift’s lyrics resonate deeply with the emotional experiences of young adults, creating a powerful sense of connection, understanding and trust. “This validation can have a significant positive impact on emotional well-being, especially for those struggling with self-esteem and body image issues,” she says.
She elaborates on the psychological mechanisms at play. “When young adults hear their personal struggles reflected in Swift’s music, it triggers a process we call ‘emotional mirroring.’ This experience of feeling seen and understood can be incredibly therapeutic, fostering a sense of self-worth and initiating emotional healing processes,” says Dr Anand.
The psychologist explains that Swift’s music aligns with developmental psychology, which tracks how human beings grow and change in their lives. “Swift’s songs mirror the journey of self-discovery and resilience that closely aligns with the critical developmental tasks of young adulthood. Her songs provide a narrative framework for navigating identity formation, helping listeners build a stronger sense of self during this pivotal period,” says Dr Anand.
Why teens relate to Swift?
By openly sharing her experiences with body image and self-worth, Swift humanises herself, making her more relatable. “This transparency serves a dual purpose – it normalises these struggles and provides a model for positive coping strategies. In essence, Swift becomes a virtual peer, showing young adults that it’s possible to work through these challenges and develop healthier self-perceptions. So the song narrative offers a framework for emotional processing,” says Dr Anand.
A recurring theme in Swift’s music is the celebration of imperfection and personal growth. This message is particularly potent for young adults who often grapple with unrealistic standards of perfection. “By promoting self-acceptance and growth, her music encourages autonomy in self-expression and competence in overcoming challenges – crucial factors in developing robust self-esteem,” says the psychologist. “In my professional opinion, this communal aspect of fandom can provide a support network that can be invaluable for young adults,” she adds.
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