How do different types of music such as heavy metal rap or country affect a person's behavior?

Answer

Music is not related to behavior. There is a tendency to think so, but it doesn't necessarily mean that a person who listens to heavy metal is mean and stupid or if a person listens to Bethoven they are intelligent

As a practising (ie professional!) musician I've thought a lot about this one over the years , and it's my opinion that music IS related to behaviour, in that it can enhance an emotional or psychological state already present or latent. Check out the choice of music chosen for "occasions": State; weddings; funerals; batchelor/hen parties: we choose music to accord with and enhance our mood - don't we? But nothing in my experience has led me to believe that music of any kind could completely change the mind-set of any rational being; NO tunes, NO lyrics are going to lead you anywhere you weren't already longing to go anyway, whether you find your rapport in "classical" music [which was often very seditious and revolutionary in its day anyway! Hey, Beethoven was a renegade, in his life-time!] or in "naughty" rapping. We've all, all, all been there before!
I would think that most "suitable" music is chosen simply because it has always been chosen. People who have certain behaviour might listen to certain music because that is what they believe is suitable for that activity, e.g. most people play play pop or rap/hiphop at a disco because that is what is always played at a disco. Music does not change how you behave, but it can amplify behaviour simply because that is what you think when you listen, and you listen because that is what you are thinking/feeling.


Answer 2
There have been numerous studies to suggest that music can influence behaviour and even health to some extent. There have also been studies on how music can influence the behaviour of children:
There was a significant improvement in behaviour and mathematics performance for all the children. The effects were particularly marked for those whose problems were related to constant stimulus-seeking and over-activity. Improvements were also observed in improved co-operation and a reduction in aggression during the lessons immediately following the study.


The following extract is taken from a music research study:
Research indicates that volume, speed and type of music can have profound effects on product preference, alcohol consumption and spending money


Answer 3
Music styles are often perceived to affect behavior and personality, but it's often the other way around. More laid back characters often prefer laid back music.

It's also affected by the subconcious personality of the individual. E.g. If you are a calm, conservative person, you may like black metal, this can be led by the subconcious desire to let out associated feelings, and to release feelings of anger etc.

We all need to feel human every once in a while.
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I consulted a few phd's that would strongly say that listening to classical or gangsta rap can have a huge affect on your mind and behavior. When was the last time you visited a gym and heard Beethoven? Seriously, I did consult the DSMV-IV, with the help of a psychologist friend of mine. This is the everyday Bible for mental health professional. When all the pages referencing this topic are combined, you'll have a large chapter from an even larger book.

First answer by Rubberduck1975. Last edit by GregPredmore. Contributor trust: 4 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 143 [recommend question].