How Shared Preferences in Music Create Bonds Between People: Values as the Missing Link

Objectives

People share similar values in different cultures and groups. Music preferences seem to be an expression of these values, creating bonds between people. This study looks at the function of music and how it is related to values that promote social interactions.

Outcomes

This study found:

Music can create interpersonal bonds between young people. Music preferences can be cues for similar or dissimilar value orientations. Similar values then contribute to social
Similarity in value orientations was more important for interpersonal attraction than similarity in other domains, such as background characteristics or personality traits
Value similarity is the missing link in explaining the power of musical bonding. This has been found among Western and non-Western samples and in experimental and natural settings.

You can access the article "How Shared Preferences in Music Create Bonds Between People: Values as the Missing Link" here.