Teenagers, behavioral problems, and preferences for heavy metal and rap music: A case study of a southern middle school

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between musical preference, commitment to popular music and behavior problems of teenagers in an optional middle school. This research tested three hypotheses. 1) Musical preference is related to race, 2) Musical preference can predict behavior problems, and, 3) Commitment to popular music, measured in hours, can predict behavior problems. Data were gathered from a survey distributed to 80 students, school records, and participant observation. Results indicated that musical preference can predict race but can not predict identification as a behavior problem. Commitment to particular types of popular music did not predict behavior problems.