Our preferences for specific popular movies, music, and classic art may predict personality traits and the lives we will lead, according to new research from the University of New Hampshire. According to UNH researchers Michael Faber and John Mayer, movies, books, music and other types of mass media use archetypal characters — the hero, the villain, the lover, etc. When people identity or “resonate” with a certain archetype, it may provide insight into their personalities and how they will live their lives.

“Archetypal life themes may be used not only to predict personal preferences, but also how we interact socially with others through our interests, and how we identify with archetypal characters. For example, by identifying with a particular archetype, the individual has an automatically-created support group for his or her tastes. People exhibiting the general life themes of the shadow may show high interest in the dark, preferring horror movies and books, and hardcore and industrial music, and join with one another on that basis,” the researchers say.

In addition, the researchers note that understanding the archetypes to which an individual resonates may help further the understanding of personality disorders. For example, the researchers suggest further exploration regarding whether people with antisocial disorders resonate to archetypes dominated by conflict.

More: http://www.unh.edu/news/cj_nr/2009/sept/lw10music.cfm

Tags: personality, UNH, unhnews