The following references that I found from the journal database are about the effects of music to people and their behavior. I couldn't find anything about music and driving in particular, but I believe that if therapists use music in their therapy and others believe that music reduces anxiety, relaxes children and students in school, and has cognitive effects, then I think we could conclude that the kind of music we listen to also affects the way we drive. Here are six journal articles that discuss the effects of music, and an abstract for each that explains what the articles are about:
Giles, Martha Mead. A Little Music Background, Please. Principal, Nov 1991, v 71, p 41-44.
DESCRIPTION: As the Abstract explains, this journal discusses the effect of background music, that it "could be used to provide a pleasant beginning for the school day, to help keep students quiet and relaxed in the school cafeteria at lunchtime, and to provide a midafternoon lift for bored and tired children. The most effective music pleases children without overly exciting them through jarring rhythms and loud dynamics." Major topics that will discussed are anxiety, moods, music therapy, relaxation training, and student behavior and a minor or short description and discussion of elementary education.
Russel, Lori A. Comparisons of Cognitive, Music, and Imagery Techniques on Anxiety Reduction with University Students. Journal of College Student Development, Nov 1992, v 33, p 516-523.
DESCRIPTION: As the Abstract described, this journal "investigated effectiveness of imagery, music, and cognitive therapeutic techniques in reducing anxiety among 78 anxious college students. Found that familiar-sedative music plus imagery was most effective technique in reducing state anxiety compared to music, a cognitive intervention, or control group." The major focus are on cognitive restructuring, counseling techniques, imagery, music therapy, and stress management.
Windwer, Catherine M. An Ascending Music Stimulus Program and Hyperactive Children. Journal of Research in Music Education, Fall 1981, v 29, p 173-181.
DESCRIPTION: As the Abstract briefly explains, this article talks about "Thirteen hyperactive males (ages five through eight) were rated on activity prior to, during, and after a period of ascending music stimuli. It was hypothesized that they would become less active during, rather than before or after, the stimulus. Activity significantly increased during the music program, thus rejecting the hypothesis." Major topics discussed here are arousal patterns, auditory stimuli, hyperactivity, music therapy, and physical activity level.
Ho, Man Keung. The Use of Popular Music in Family Therapy. Social Work, Jan-Feb 1984, v 29, p 65-67.
DESCRIPTION: The abstract describes this report to "presents suggestions for assembling a musical tape made up of 20 popular songs that reflect the characteristics of five potential stages in a marital relationship. Illustrates how therapists use the tape in marital therapy and discusses how educators can instruct students to use the tape in their practice." The major topics accounted are marriage counseling, music therapy and minor topics on counseling techniques, social work, spouses, and verbal communication.
Pressley, Arthur. Rap Music by Black Male Artists: A Psychotheological Interpretation. Western Journal of Black Studies, Sum 1992, v 16, p 92-97.
DESCRIPTION: This journal article, as the abstract described, "provides a psychotheological interpretation of rap music by African-American male artists and of its audience, examining the music and its social context. Common themes include despair over acute psychosocial and physical needs, intensity and violence as a means of personal integration, ontological insecurity, and desire for transformation and community." Its major topics that were discussed are blacks, context effects, males, musicians, psychological patterns, and social problems.
McGuire, Michael G. The Music Therapist: Musician or Therapist? Design for Arts in Education, Sep-Oct 1984, v 19, p 2-6.
DESCRIPTION: This journal talks about an article that "discusses the importance of both the music and the counselor to the success of music therapy. Describes three stages of practice involving music therapy, and skills need by the therapist. Presents two examples of successful music therapy in clinical practice," as described by the abstract. The major topics discussed are music therapy and counselor qualifications, and minor topics such counseling techniques and counselor role.