Does music preference really predict character traits? It may be an
indicator of personality traits, according to new research published in
the
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The
study pinpoints musical tastes with respective attributes.
By
Colin Allen, published on June 01, 2003
A person's album collection may actually say quite a lot about him.
It may be an indicator of personality traits, according to new research
published in the
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The
study pinpoints musical tastes with respective attributes.
"Music preferences are a manifestation of our personality," says
lead author Peter J. Rentfrow, a psychology graduate student at
University of Texas in Austin. He found that, when it comes to
personality traits, there are four major groups.
People who enjoy blues, jazz, classical and folk are more likely to
be creative, open to new experiences and enjoy abstract ideas. They often
lean politically to the left. Rentfrow found those who liked pop, country
and religious music tend to be more extroverted, trusting of others and
hard working. They are often more practical and lean politically to the
right.
People who prefer alternative music, rock and heavy metal are
inclined to be physically active and adventurous. Dance and hip-hop fans
are apt to be more outgoing, athletic and agreeable, yet they were also
more likely to view themselves as being physically attractive.
In the study, Rentfrow and colleagues surveyed 3,500 students,
examining their musical tastes, along with their self-perceptions and
mental acuity. He suggests that taste in music develops according to
personality traits.
