Research Highlights Link Between Musical Sensibility and Personality Traits

Musical experiences can evoke a wide range of emotions, but the extent to which individuals are affected by music varies significantly. Some people feel deeply moved by melodies and rhythms, experiencing intense emotional reactions, while others may not notice music's emotional impact as much. Recent research from the University of Oslo sheds light on the personality characteristics linked to strong musical sensibility.

Ph.D. fellow Heidi Marie Umbach Hansen studied the connection between how sensitive people are to music and the Big Five personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Her findings suggest that individuals who are highly responsive to music tend to score higher in openness, which encompasses creativity and curiosity, and agreeableness, associated with kindness and social helpfulness. Additionally, higher neuroticism, which involves emotional instability and susceptibility to depression and anxiety, also correlates with musical sensitivity.

Interestingly, her study indicates that these traits are largely influenced by genetics. Using data from approximately 2,600 Norwegian twins, the research estimates that up to 64% of the variation in musical sensibility can be explained by genetic differences. While genetics play a significant role, environment also contributes to shaping one's musical responsiveness.

Twin studies are a vital research method for exploring the influence of genetics versus environment. Identical twins, who share all their genes, tend to be more alike in traits like musicality than fraternal twins, who share roughly half their genetic makeup. This approach not only helps disentangle the effects of genetics and environment but also allows researchers to explore the relationships between different traits.

Umbach Hansen’s study revealed that individuals highly sensitive to music often possess personality traits such as openness, agreeableness, and neuroticism, with no significant correlation observed with conscientiousness or extraversion. These traits seem to stem from deep-seated genetic factors, suggesting that musical sensibility partly reflects fundamental aspects of human nature.

On a broader scale, the universal appeal of music and its widespread use in therapy underscore its importance. According to a 2023 global survey, people spend about 21 hours each week listening to music, with 71% perceiving it as beneficial for mental health. Despite our extensive engagement with music, the origins of its power to influence us so profoundly remain a mystery. It is possible that music began as an early form of communication to foster social bonds.

Understanding why some individuals experience music more intensely than others could have significant implications. For example, improved insights could enhance music therapy practices, making treatments more effective. Umbach Hansen highlights that ongoing research into the biological and psychological mechanisms behind musical experiences may help unravel these mysteries and improve mental health interventions.

She is affiliated with the RITMO Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rhythm, Time and Motion, and the PROMENTA research center at the University of Oslo.

This research invites us to consider how innate personality traits and genetics influence our emotional responses to music, offering a deeper understanding of this universal phenomenon.