Association Between One’s Preferred Film Genres and Personality Traits: A Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study explores the correlation between college students' film genre preferences and their personality traits, as defined by the Big Five theory. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the potential application of these correlations in hiring and screening processes. METHOD: A total of 300 college students aged 20-23 participated in the study. Participants completed a demographic survey, ranked their preferred film genres, and responded to the Big Five inventory questionnaire. Data were analyzed using correlation and regression tests to determine the relationship between film genre preferences (independent variable) and personality traits (dependent variable), with a significance level set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant correlations between preferred film genres and personality traits for all genres except comedy. Adventure films showed a positive correlation with extraversion but negative with conscientiousness and neuroticism. Drama correlated positively with conscientiousness and neuroticism, while romance linked to neuroticism and openness. Horror films were positively associated with extraversion and agreeableness, and mystery films correlated with openness. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that college students' film genre preferences significantly correlate with their personality traits. These correlations may have implications for personality assessments in various contexts, including hiring practices. However, further research is necessary to generalize these results beyond the studied population.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.84683
Authors: Arjun S Menon, Chaitra M. S., Srinivasulu Naidu, Naladala Disha Chowdary
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410638447