Link between music and body image

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate whether musical preferences are an indicator of self-esteem and body image. It also wanted to investigate whether the personality can indicate the preferred type of music.

            A number of 103 participants have responded to the online questionnaire, 74 women and 29 men, aged between 19 and 58 years. Participants completed a questionnaire provided online, consisting of the Rosenberg test, IPIP-50, BAS-2, the MUSE test (Music USE) and the musical preferences questionnaire (MPQ-R).

            In order to have more data on the background of the participants, demographic data was collected such as age, gender, last completed studies, height and  weight. Data were also collected on the reason and frequency for listening to music.

The results of the study indicated that the type of music listened to and the time spent listening to music are not in relationship with the level of body appreciation.

            The results have indicated that there is a positive significant correlation between the high number of hours listening to music and conscientiousness,  there is a positive connection between Pop music and emotional stability, and there is a positive significant correlation between Blues/Jazz and openness to new experiences. Also, it was discovered that there is a significative negative correlation between rock music and BMI.