The Groove Experience among Chinese Youth: A Comparative Study of Listening Psychology in Western and Mandarin Pop Music

This study focuses on the concept of groove in music psychology. It investigates differences in bodily groove engagement and emotional experiences among Chinese youth when they listen to Western pop music and Mandarin pop music. The results show that Western pop music has rhythmic, low-frequency and syncopation. It strongly leads to physical movement and positive emotions, embodying the construct of 'rhythm-driven overt participation'. Mandarin pop music focuses on melodic contour, lyrical narrative and vocal emotional expression. It causes static immersion and deep emotional resonance. manifesting as 'covert participation'. This study supports the 'Music Cultural Acquisition Theory'. It proves that musical preferences and emotional responses are greatly influenced by cultural socialization contexts. The study helps listeners understand the interactive mechanisms between groove perception and cultural backgrounds. It provides theoretical ideas for innovative approaches to combine rhythm and emotion in Mandarin pop music.