Personality traits and music in adolescence

Abstract

For centuries, and across cultures, people have wondered what kind of relationship there is between music and human nature. A personality psychology perspective may address this fundamental question on music by considering that personality traits are dispositions that constitute part of human nature. Hence, the classic question about how music is associated with human nature may at least in part be answered by examining if and how personality traits and music are interrelated. The objective of this chapter is to review the recent literature on personality traits and music in adolescence, with an eye on wellbeing. The first part discusses possible interrelations between personality traits and music listening. The second part considers putative relationships between personality traits and music making. Research directions are briefly outlined.