NCJ Number
189923
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 321-332
Date Published
June 2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the differentiating characteristics (family relationships, social-psychological attitudes, drug use, and suicidal risk) of youth who prefer heavy metal (HM) music, worship music, and use music for vicarious release.
Abstract
This 2000 study used a student sample that included 275 French-speaking adolescents (aged between 14 and 18) from the greater Montreal region (Canada). There were 154 males and 121 female participants. Two 9-item scales that measure the perceived warmth in relationships with both the mother and the father measured the quality of family relationships. Alienation was measured by two subscales labeled self-estrangement/powerlessness and social isolation. Individuals at high risk for suicide were identified by using a scale developed by Tousignant et al. (1988). The high suicidal risk category included those who had attempted suicide and those who had serious suicidal ideation. Respondents were asked to report the quantity of alcohol, cannabis, and hallucinogens consumed during the past year. Musical preferences were measured by using a list of 18 different music categories. Logistic regressions showed that HM music preference and worshipping were not significantly related to suicidal risk when controlling for other risk factors. These findings held true for both boys and girls. Surprisingly, the use of music for vicarious release was inversely related to suicidal risk for girls. These findings are discussed within the framework of Arnett's alienation theory and Roe's uses-gratification theory regarding adolescent socialization and media purposes. 3 tables and 34 references