Should we be using music to enhance performance in exams?

Listening to or playing music is often used by teenagers to assist in their studies or to celebrate afterwards. But does it help them perform better in the exam itself?

This study found that stressful situations can be alleviated by music and other activities in preparation for a stressful event. It also found that listening to music, specifically after a stressful event, can relieve stress.

The difference in the studies was whether the participants listened to music they personally chose or music that the researcher chose.

If you were preparing or recovering from a stressful event – do you think your stress relief would be better with listening to music you chose, or music chosen for you?