Leading article: Musical chairs

Some might say that the researchers of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh have come up with an explanation of the blindingly obvious in their study that shows music taste is linked to personality type.

Many will question whether it is really a surprise that indie rock fans tend to have low self-esteem but are often creative, that reggae lovers are supremely relaxed, that those who enjoy dance music are extroverts, or that heavy metal aficionados have a well developed appreciation of the grandiose? But not us, though. We are more interested in the potential practical applications of these findings. If personality influences musical taste, perhaps music can influence personality. Perhaps doctors could use music to ease mental disorders, in the same way that they presently use therapy or drugs?

Related articles

• Classical to Rap: Music lovers have much more in common than you would think
• Search the news archive for more stories

Symptoms of anxiety? Prescribe some Bob Marley. Depressed? Take Sly and the Family Stone twice a day. Chronic shyness? A month-long course of Fatboy Slim (and strictly no Coldplay). Not very creative? Total immersion in The Killers. It would certainly cut down the NHS drugs bill.