Research article summary (published 29 Jun 2006):

The meanings and functions of tunes that come into one's head.

Full Abstract

This paper is devoted to the study of internally generated auditory imagery, specifically tunes that appear spontaneously in one's consciousness exclusive of external musical input. Melodies that appear in the periphery of one's awareness during directed activity can protect the ego from the interference of internal desires or demands. Music present in consciousness irrespective of any specific melody may be experienced as a protective, omnipotent parental companion and thus guard against danger and the painful loneliness of separation and loss. The frequent or continuous spontaneous appearance of music in one's consciousness is considered to be a characterological mode of thinking--thinking in music.

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Author information

Author/s: Lipson, Channing T (CT);

Affiliation: Channing26(-atsign-)yahoo.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The Psychoanalytic quarterly (Psychoanal Q), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jul; vol 75 (issue 3) : pp 859-78

Dates: Created 2006/08/23; Completed 2006/12/22;

PMID: 16924977, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Psychological Awareness Defense Mechanisms Humans Imagination

Imagination Loneliness - psychology Music Psychoanalytic Interpretation Thinking

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