Relationship between personality and music preferences among university students

Abstract

This study analysed the relationship between Big Five personality traits and music preferences among university students. Big Five Inventory (BFI) and Short Test of Music Preferences (STOMP) was used to assess personality traits and music preferences. Questionnaires were distributed through social media platforms to college and university students aged 19 to 26. A total number of 145 respondents participated in this study. The results showed Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness were the most prevalent personality traits among respondents and Energetic-Rhythmic (ER) was the most preferred music. The correlation analysis showed that there is a significant correlation between Openness and energetic-rhythmic (ER) music. On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between other traits (Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) with music preference dimensions such as Intense-Rebellious (IR) and Energetic-Rhythmic (ER). The inconsistencies in the literature and our findings suggested more studies are needed to understand the influence of personality on music preferences.