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Do your music preferences betray your personality?

Many of us feel instinctively that music says a lot about who we are. Have you ever nipped a relationship in the bud because of some iffy music choices a potential date has made?

In 2003, researchers from the University of Texas went beyond gut feelings, however, and came up with empirical evidence that music choices do indeed reveal basic personality traits.

Peter J. Rentfrow and Samuel Gosling measured five major personality characteristics of 3,500 people – openness to experience, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and emotional stability – and then questioned them about their music tastes.

They found that the various personality combinations were attracted to specific music genres.

Fans of classical, jazz, and blues music tend to be inventive, put a premium on the aesthetics of their environment, are politically liberal and have active imaginations.

If you prefer Iron Maiden to Bach you’re probably inclined to take more risks, be physically active and are curious.

Funk, hip-hop and electronic dance music listeners are generally talkative, energetic, reject conservative ideas and consider themselves more physically attractive than the norm.

If you’re a cheerful, emotionally stable, helpful, outgoing person who holds conservative views, chances are good you like country, gospel, or pop music.

The researchers also pointed out that the way we want others to see us can shape the music choices we make.

“For example,” Gosling states, “someone might listen to esoteric music to reinforce a self-view of being sophisticated. At the same time, they may use music as a badge for others to see. Individuals who listen to heavy metal music at a loud volume with their car window down, for example, may be trying to convey a tough image.”

If you are wondering what that new guy or girl is really like, ask to see their iPod. They could be handing you more personal information than they know.

 

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