By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD Reviewed by Lauren Hardaker Sep 3 2025 Listening to music after a breakup might seem like a safe emotional outlet, but for those high in neuroticism, it could actually intensify the pain, new research warns. Study: Adaptive or maladaptive music-listening coping strategy: How does neuroticism use music after experiencing a romantic relationship breakup?  Image credit: Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock.com Romantic breakups are extremely common in adolescence and early childhood,