Abstract
Recent studies utilizing online music streaming data have found genre preferences to be associated with risk for depression (Surana et al., 2020). However, the mentioned study does not address gender differences among participants. Gender differences have been reported in depression in terms of the prevalence, symptomatology, and emotion regulation strategies used (Garnefski et al., 2004). Also, there exists a gender-specific tendency to choose certain kinds of music where females tend to prefer ‘softer’ styles like mainstream pop, while males are inclined towards ‘heavier’ styles like hard rock (North and Hargreaves, 2008). Martin et al.(1993) investigated the relationship between adolescents’ music preferences and risk factors for suicide, which included depression. Females preferring rock/metal music were found to have higher scores for depression as compared to males preferring rock/metal. Miranda and Claes (2009) found metal music-listening to be associated with higher depression levels in adolescent females, but only if they affiliate with peers who are more depressed. However, the above studies relied on self-reported music preferences. The current study explores these associations in more naturalistic settings using online music consumption.