As the saying goes, music is a universal language. This seems to be confirmed, according to the conclusions of a study carried out by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Bar Ilan University. She postulates that musical preferences and personality traits are closely linked, regardless of where in the world one lives. So all the extroverts in the world love the same pieces of music, all the introverts too. You like Shivers, by Ed Sheeran? You are a priori part of the extroverted personalities, whether you live in France, the United States, China or Africa. However, if you like What’s going on of Marvin Gaye, you are – according to researchers – someone conscientious, respectful of the rules and of others, no matter your age, your level of wealth or the language you speak.
To reach these conclusions, the Cambridge and Bar Ilan researchers conducted their study among 350,000 people in more than 50 countries. At their head, Dr. David Greenberg, researcher in neuroscience. He asked participants to rank their musical preferences among 23 music genres and complete a personality test. If we simplify the results, extroverts like rhythmic music such as electro, dance, rap, Latin rhythms or European pop. Sociable and conscientious personalities appreciate softer, acoustic melodies more than others: folk or romantic rock. Fans of sophisticated and intense music – whether it’s jazz, classical, lyrical or old-school rock – are generally curious and very open-minded.
Obviously, we can find ourselves in several categories but there is one that is divisive: hard rock. Conscientious personalities hate, but passionate, neurotic, or anxious personalities love, researchers say. The intense and provocative side would echo inner anxieties and frustrations.
This study, in its practical application, could help improve well-being and mood with tailor-made playlists. It could also help overcome social divisions. Dr. Greenberg, who lives partly in Jerusalem, already uses music to mediate between Israelis and Palestinians.
According to him, the therapeutic potential of music is still under-exploited in the field of health and neuroscience.