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This research investigates how self-concept clarity influences music preferences from adolescence into young adulthood.

April 3, 2026Psychology of MusicOpen Access

“I Can See Clearly Now”: On the time-varying associations between self-concept clarity and music preferences across adolescence into young adulthood

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Longitudinal study shows evolving music preferences in adolescents, indicating identity struggles.

This research investigates how self-concept clarity influences music preferences from adolescence into young adulthood.
Conducted a longitudinal study with 900 Dutch adolescents and young adults
Participants completed surveys assessing self-concept clarity and music preferences
Music preferences categorized into mainstream and non-mainstream genres
Used latent growth curve analyses to evaluate time-varying associations
No systematic association was found between self-concept clarity and mainstream music preferences in mid- to late adolescence.
A mostly positive relationship between self-concept clarity and mainstream music preferences develops in young adulthood.
Low self-concept clarity is linked to a preference for complex non-mainstream genres such as heavy metal and goth.
Preferences for goth and heavy metal music persist into young adulthood among those with lower self-concept clarity.

Becht et al. (2026) studied this question.

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