# Examining the relationship between preferred music types and temperament-character in individuals diagnosed with alcohol and substance use disorders

## TL;DR

This study explores how music preferences relate to personality traits in individuals with alcohol or substance use disorders.

## Contribution

The study identifies distinct music preference clusters and links them to personality traits in AUD/SUD patients.

## Key findings

- Patients with AUD/SUD show limited musical tastes and distinct preference clusters.
- Music preferences correlate with personality traits like novelty seeking and cooperativeness.
- Alcohol users prefer Classical Turkish music, while substance users favor Hip-hop/Rap and Techno/Electronic.

## Abstract

Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) face significant challenges at personal, familial, and social levels. Temperament and character traits play a key role in addictive behaviors, yet their relationship with music preferences in these patients has rarely been examined. This study explores the relationship between temperament-character traits and music preferences in AUD or SUD patients.

This cross-sectional study included 351 patients diagnosed with AUD or SUD, who were receiving treatment at the Inpatient Detoxification Centre (IDC). All participants completed the Sociodemographic Data Form, Music Preferences Questionnaire (MPQ), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and Addiction Profile Index (API).

The participants were classified into three distinct clusters as determined by cluster analysis. Cluster 1 comprised individuals demonstrating a preference for high-energy and modern styles (n = 53), while most subjects (n = 246) were included in the cluster characterized by low interest and fantasy arabesque preferences (Cluster 2). Cluster 3 consisted of subjects with broad and balanced preferences (n = 52). There were no significant sociodemographic differences among the clusters, but significant variations in personality traits were found, particularly in novelty seeking, reward dependence, and cooperativeness. Alcohol users preferred Classical Turkish music (p <.005), while substance users favoured Hip-hop/Rap (p <.005) and Techno/Electronic music (p <.005). A weak but significant positive correlation was found between Hip-hop/Rap preference and educational status (ρ = 0.179, p = .001). Similarly, Classical Turkish Music preference showed a weak positive correlation with age (ρ = 0.263, p < .001).

In conclusion, AUD or SUD patients have low interest in music types and limited musical tastes. It has been observed that there is a relationship between these patients’ novelty seeking and cooperativeness traits and their music preferences, and that individuals prefer certain music types more than others, depending on their diagnosis with weak additional associations with demographic factors, particularly age and educational level.

Not applicable.