What theory suggests that a balance of familiarity and complexity in music can lead to pleasurable emotional responses?

Optimal complexity theory posits that an individual experiences the most pleasurable emotional responses when there is a balance between familiarity and complexity in music. This theory suggests that music that is too simple may not engage the listener, while music that is overly complex might be overwhelming or difficult to process. The idea is that listeners enjoy music that introduces enough challenge to maintain interest while still being grounded in familiar elements that they can recognize and follow.

The theory aligns well with our understanding of auditory processing and human perception, as people tend to prefer stimuli that are not too predictable but also not entirely novel. This balance creates a sense of satisfaction and emotional engagement in music. In practical applications, music therapists may utilize this understanding to choose or create music that fits within this optimal range to evoke positive emotional responses in their clients.