Personality, Well-Being, and Music Involvement

This study identified if music experience is related to goal orientation, personality traits, and well-being. The subjects were the students and staff of Linfield College, members of the surrounding community, and members of a professional choir. The sample contained the spectrum of professional musicians to those with no music experience, ages 18 to nearly retired. Data was gathered via an online survey, with items to collect information about: demographics, music involvement throughout life, athletic involvement throughout life, academic information, personality traits, goal orientation, motivation, and several types of well-being. Overall there were significant correlations found between a wide spectrum of music involvement and specific personality traits, such as Openness and Compassion. Other factors, such as behavioral inhibition and approach, also have overarching correlations with music involvement. These findings suggest that there are clear relations between music and goals, motivation, and personality. We also found numerous relationships between various types of well-being and music involvement, some of which were not anticipated. These results have the potential to impact public policy and public school programs