I Love Music! It Harmonizes Me!: Listening to Music Based on Adaptive Function of Music Listening (AFML) and its Influence on Study Engagement in Physical Education - A Cross-Sectional Study

Music is more than just background noise-it shapes emotions, reinforces identity, and enhances engagement. This study examined the association between the adaptive functions of music listening and student engagement in Physical Education among first- and second-year college students in the Philippines. Findings revealed that music listening for adaptive functioning is significantly associated with study engagement. Specifically, music for emotional regulation and identity alignment was positively linked to engagement, while music for stress regulation showed a negative association, suggesting that reliance on music for stress relief may hinder full participation in PE. Despite these insights, the study is limited by self-report data, sample scope, and its quantitative approach, which focuses on associations rather than causation. Future research should explore cross-cultural contexts, incorporate qualitative perspectives, and examine additional factors. These findings highlight the complex role of adaptive music listening in education and its potential to enhance student motivation and engagement.