I have heard the question asked several times: Does your love of rock music, country or classical paint a picture of who you really are?

A world-wide study published by BBC.com in September 2008 concluded that your music tastes and personality are closely linked. However, some of the findings may surprise you.  If you always thought that somebody who listens to loud heavy metal is violent or even suicidal, researchers from Heriot-Watt University say, you’re wrong.

The 36,000 study participants had to answer questions about their personality type and also rate 104 different musical styles.

I already addressed above the stereotype about people who listen to heavy metal. What are your thoughts on somebody who listens to classical? I think that most people would say a classical lover is educated, in a higher class of income and living, a world traveler, has a wide circle of friends and is constantly being ‘social’ at different public events.

This study found that isn’t necessarily the case and that classical-lovers and rockers have a lot more in common than you’d think.  While it discovered that they are different ends of the spectrum when it comes to self-esteem, both are at ease with themselves and have a creative side, but it also found that they’re typically not outgoing.

Some food for thought.

Here is the music style vs. personality traits table that Heriot-Watt University came up with.  See how you place and leave your results and response in comments:

• BLUES: High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle and at ease
• JAZZ: High self-esteem, creative, outgoing and at ease
• CLASSICAL MUSIC: High self-esteem, creative, introvert and at ease
• RAP: High self-esteem, outgoing
• OPERA: High self-esteem, creative, gentle
• COUNTRY: Hardworking, outgoing
• REGGAE: High self-esteem, creative, not hardworking, outgoing, gentle and at ease
• DANCE: Creative, outgoing, not gentle
• INDIE: Low self-esteem, creative, not hard working, not gentle
• ROCK/HEAVY METAL: Low self-esteem, creative, not hard-working, not outgoing, gentle, at ease
• CHART POP: High self-esteem, not creative, hardworking, outgoing, gentle, not at ease
• SOUL: High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle, at ease