About thirty years ago depression was categorized as an adult disorder. The low mood experienced by adolescents was considered a normal part of teenage mood swings. Many studies have proven otherwise. There are still those few people who would still reject the reality of adolescent disorder. They would also reject the fact that adolescent depression is related to a wide range of outcomes such as social and educational impairments as well as mental and physical health problems later on in their life (see Thapar, Collishaw, Pine, & Thapar, 2012). Depression is a very common psychiatric disorder. The symptoms are low mood, low energy, poor concentration, poor self-care and low self-esteem. (Moussavi et al. 2007, Maratos et al. 2008, WHO 2009).

Music is a major key in the socialization of adolescents (Roberts & Christensen 2001). According to Roberts and Christensen (2001) listening to popular music is a part of the norm for growing children. Music is one of the many things that entertain people while distracting them from unwanted issues.

According to time.com, Dr. Brian Primack ran an experiment that showed that teens who listened to music more often instead of watching television and reading books were at a higher risk of experiencing depression compared to teens who listens to music less frequently. Another study, has examined the effects that music has on depression in older people (Chan et al. 2009, Guetin et al. 2009, Moradipanah et al. 2009). There has also been research done on how music affects the school work of students (La Voie JC, Collins B, 1975).

Currently there is no study that has been carried out to investigate the effects of “trap” music on depression in adolescents. Also, there is no study found that focuses on a specific ethnic group. A twelve week study will be conducted to explore the cumulative effect “trap” music has on depression in African American adolescents. This study will prove that “trap” music causes African American adolescent to become depressed.