Music and identity

Abstract

Background: Music acts as an important source for the construction of identity and sense of self in the lives of adolescents. This is accentuated in the life-period of adolescence since developing one`s identity is the most salient developmental tasks during this time. However, it remains largely unclear whether music preference plays a role in specifically, educational identity and clarity of self-concept. Research questions: This research aims to determine whether music preference predicts educational identity and self-concept clarity. This research also examined whether these relationships differed according to gender and school level. Method: This was examined using a multiple regression analysis and dividing educational identity in three different identity statuses (commitment, exploration and change) whilst also looking at self-concept clarity. The covered music genres were Rock, Heavy Metal, ChartTop40, Jazz, Trance and Hip-Hop. Results and conclusion: Music preference predicted self-concept clarity and educational identity, this relationship differed depending on gender and education level (depending on music genre). Rock, Trance, Jazz and Top40 were the music genres that predicted educational identity depending on the educational identity status. Jazz, Trance and Heavy metal predicted self-concept clarity. Gender and school level influences the relationship between music preference and self-concept clarity/educational identity.