Heavy metal fans are happier and more well adjusted than lovers of music from other genres, a new study has claimed.
The research, published in the Self and Identity journal, featured 377 adults: 154 who were heavy metal fans growing up in the 1980s (including musicians and 'groupies'), 80 who typically listened to other types of music during their teen years and 153 current students at a California university.
According to the findings, metal enthusiasts did often experience risky ‘sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll’ lives. However, at the same, the ‘metalhead’ identity also served as a protective factor against other more negative outcomes.
The study stated: ‘They [metal fans] were significantly happier in their youth and better adjusted currently than either middle-aged or current college-age youth comparison groups.’
All participants answered questions about their youth and their current levels of happiness.
The survey's respondents were those who were willing to talk and report on their lives. Those who had arguably fallen by the wayside were less likely to participate.
The research, published in the Self and Identity journal, featured 377 adults: 154 who were heavy metal fans growing up in the 1980s (including musicians and 'groupies'), 80 who typically listened to other types of music during their teen years and 153 current students at a California university.
According to the findings, metal enthusiasts did often experience risky ‘sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll’ lives. However, at the same, the ‘metalhead’ identity also served as a protective factor against other more negative outcomes.
The study stated: ‘They [metal fans] were significantly happier in their youth and better adjusted currently than either middle-aged or current college-age youth comparison groups.’
All participants answered questions about their youth and their current levels of happiness.
The survey's respondents were those who were willing to talk and report on their lives. Those who had arguably fallen by the wayside were less likely to participate.
