Gonçalo Barradas, psychologist and researcher, presented an innovative study at the IV International Conference on Music and Emotions in Geneva, revealing how Fado influences the emotions and well-being of its listeners.

The study was based on 34 interviews with Fado lovers, concluding that this musical genre, as it is performed today, plays a crucial role in people‘s subjective well-being. In contrast to the common belief that Fado only evokes sadness, the author found that emotions such as nostalgia and sadness are essential for strengthening the sense of community and allowing for deep personal reflections. Nostalgia, induced by the melody of the guitars and the profound lyrics of Fado, provides a form of emotional catharsis, helping listeners to deal with past experiences and avoid future mistakes.

The sadness associated with Fado is not seen as negative, but rather as a way for listeners to quickly identify and express emotions that correspond to their state of mind. This emotional regulation is vital for balancing emotions accumulated throughout life. The key elements that contribute to Fado‘s positive impact on well-being include the melody of the guitars, the depth of the lyrics and the talent of the Fado singers. In addition, the intimate atmosphere of Fado houses and the closeness between listeners and performers are crucial in facilitating the sharing of emotions and evoking personal memories that help with listeners‘ emotional regulation.

In short, Gonçalo Barradas‘ study emphasises that Fado is not only a form of musical entertainment, but also a powerful tool for promoting emotional well-being. Fado demonstrates its unique potential to enrich the emotional lives of those who listen to it. This study not only offered new information about the emotional impact of music, but also emphasised the importance of cultural and environmental contexts in the human musical experience.

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