Musical taste defines personality

by Renik Thu Sep 11, 2008 12:05 am

Heriot-Watt University psychologists have defined the personality trait of different individuals based on their musical preference.

Individuals often describe themselves through their musical taste, wearing particular clothes and using certain types of slang but the new study explains how music taste can solely reflect a person's character. According to the findings of the present study, classical music and jazz fans are innovative with good self-confidence, but the former are much more outgoing whereas the latter are shy. Findings revealed that those who listen to heavy metal and classical music share similar personality traits, both groups are creative and introverted; classical music lovers, however, have high self-esteem while heavy rock fans lack this characteristic. Contrary to the general belief that heavy metal fans are depressed and suicidal, the study considers them gentle but not hardworking. Rebellious rap fans are self confident and outgoing. Those who like blues and soul music have similar characteristics in addition to being creative, gentle and at ease with themselves. Pop lovers are hardworking and uncreative whereas Bollywood fans are creative and outgoing. Country music fans are found to be hardworking and shy; indie and dance lovers lack self-esteem and are not very gentle. The study also reports that those who choose to listen to exciting, punchy music are from the higher earning bracket of the society, while those who go for relaxing sounds are from the lower down paying scale.