A Correlational Analysis of Music Preferences and Behavioural Patterns of Nigerian Adolescents Resident in Enugu Town: Implications towards Development

Abstract

The inherent effect of music on man is an established phenomenon, hence the existing concept of the relationship between musical preferences and behavioural patterns in people, in general, and particularly among adolescents. The Nigerian social environment is replete with a wide array of challenges and vices that ruin not only the adolescents, but also other members of the society, thereby hindering transformation and human development. Music, which is reflective of the values and attitude of the Nigerian society, constitutes an important aspect of life of the adolescents and consequently takes up an important portion of their time. Thus, adolescents in particular, because of their critical stage in life, are faced with serious social, cultural and economic challenges. Music not only creates a challenge in itself, but also proffers music technological tools for combating some of these societal ills. This investigation aims to ascertain whether, and to what extent preferences of musical styles affect behavioural patterns that influence human development in adolescents in Enugu town. Towards this end, this study investigates the relationship between musical preferences and behavioural patterns of adolescents between the ages of fourteen and nineteen that are resident in Enugu city. Among other findings, this study revealed that rhythm is the most important singular aspect of music for adolescents; themes of song text rather than genres of music are of greater consequence in the influence of behavioural patterns of adolescents, and that there exists a significant relationship between musical content and corresponding behavioural patterns among adolescents. Behavioural patterns in turn influence the pattern and rate of development. This study employed a multidimensional approach, including non-participant observations, questionnaire and interview surveys, and bibliographic methods. Tables and percentage were used for the presentation and description of musical preferences, while correlation analysis was employed in the relationship between behavioural patterns and musical preferences.