Toward a better understanding of the relation between music preference, listening behavior, and personality

Abstract

Previous research relating personality and music preferences has often measured such reported preferences according to genre labels. To support previous research, the current paper has expanded investigation of the relation between personality and music preferences to include direct measurement of music listening behavior. A study (N = 395) measured participants' personality, reported music preferences, and their listening behavior, which was tracked while using a music database for a minimum period of three months. Results indicated that reported music preferences were correlated to listening behavior, and indicated robust positive relations between Neuroticism and Classical music preference, and between Openness to Experience and Jazz music preference. Results also indicated issues when using genre labels to measure music preferences, which are discussed. Big Five, genre, listening behavior, music preferences, personal preferences, personality Numerous factors are involved when an individual selects a particular song, album, or genre of music to be played (Levitin, 2006). Arguably, these factors include, but are not limited to: emotions, personal experience, social context, and culture. Nonetheless, Levitin has stated that personality has a predictive influence over individuals' music preferences. Levitin's statement is Psychology of Music 40(4) 411-428 Keywords

How musical are music video game players?

“…Personality may also be related to music preference, which could influence who chooses music video games versus classical instrumental music. For example, one study showed that listening to classical music predicted higher levels of neuroticism (Dunn, de Ruyter, & Bouwhuis, 2012), whereas another study showed that higher levels of conscientiousness were related to music preferences for songs that were upbeat and conventional (Rentfrow & Gosling, 2003). Our findings may have implications for understanding how personality interacts with music training effects, because we observed similar enhancements of musical listening skills for musicians and gamers, despite their contrasting personality profiles.…”

Toward Predicting Prosocial Behavior: Music Preference and Empathy Differences Between Adolescents and Adults

“…As recent research shows (see Rentfrow & Gosling, 2003;Colley, 2008;Schäfer & Sedlmeier, 2009;Dunn, 2012;George et al, 2007;Leung & Kier, 2008), there have been numerous ways that types and genres of music have been defined, classified, and categorized. However, despite the subtle differences within the extant literature there does appear to be a considerable degree of convergence, with several robust music-preference factors emerging that are very similar (Rentfrow & Gosling, 2003).…”

Can Music Increase Empathy? Interpreting Musical Experience Through the Empathizing–Systemizing (E-S) Theory: Implications for Autism

“…1, 2015 83 characteristics and traits. The correlations between musical preferences and psychological constructs such as personality traits (Rentfrow & Gosling, 2003), values (Boer et al, 2011 and age demographics (Bonneville-Roussy et al, 2013) have been studied, and convergence across many studies from varied geographical regions (Rentfrow & Gosling, 2003;George, Stickle, Rachid, & Wopnford, 2007;Delsing, ter Bogt, Engels, & Meeus, 2008;Zweigenhaft, 2008;Brown, 2012;Dunn, de Ruyter, & Bouwhuis, 2012;Langmeyer, Guglhör, & Tarnai, 2012) has provided clear evidence that these constructs are linked in a similar fashion. Extraverts for example prefer music that is "upbeat and conventional" (pop, soundtrack, and religious genres) and "energetic and rhythmic" (soul/funk and electronic/dance genres), and people high in Openness to Experience prefer "reflective and complex" music (blues, jazz, classical and folk genres) (Rentfrow & McDonald, 2009).…”