The Role of Peer Acceptance in the Association between Music Preference and Internalizing Problems

Abstract

Previous studies show that liking goth music is related to more internalizing problems. Liking pop music has been linked to less internalizing problems. In this cross-sectional study the link between music preferences (goth and pop) and internalizing problems was further examined by exploring peer acceptance as a mediator. Potential differences in sex were examined. Data from 6874 adolescents participating in the HBSC-study were used. Results showed that peer acceptance partially mediates the association between goth music preference and internalizing problems for both boys and girls. Adolescents who liked goth music felt less accepted by peers and reported more internalizing problems. Furthermore, peer acceptance partially mediated the association between pop music preference and internalizing problems for both boys and girls. Youth who liked pop music experienced more peer acceptance and reported fewer internalizing problems. These findings help in understanding the link between both goth and pop and internalizing problems. The finding that the relationship could partially be explained by the acceptance of peers gives important implications for practice.