Music: Different Grooves for Different Moods

Is music the food of love, or food for thought? That depends on who's listening. According to a paper in The British Journal of Psychology and another still in press, some people use music to manage their emotions while others have more cerebral motives for turning on the tunes. People who are more intellectual and open—and those with higher IQs—are more likely to appreciate music in a rational, cognitive way. They focus on musical complexity, appraising pieces and performances with a critical ear—and they're less moved by what they hear. People who are more neurotic, more introverted, and less conscientious use music more for emotional regulation—say, as a pick-me-up after a hard day. Which doesn't mean that analytical types can't get emotional kicks from their favorite albums, researcher Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic says. "Every individual, even the most unmusical, is likely to be touched by music if they choose the right song."