Psychological Determinants of Entertainment Preferences: From the Perspective of Schema Theory

Background: The relationship between entertainment preferences and personality traits has previously been addressed in a few studies. However, there are no studies evaluating this relationship within the scope of the schema theory. We planned to evaluate the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and music and movie preferences. In this study, the research team created a survey on the 8 most preferred film and music categories in social media platforms in Turkey.

Methods: A sociodemographic data form and the Young Schema Questionnaire - Short Form 3 were applied to 389 participants. Our findings emphasize the relationship between EMS, schema domains, and entertainment preferences.

Results: In particular, we found significant effects of the Disconnection and Rejection, Impaired Autonomy and Performance, and Impaired Limits schema domains. Even after controlling for age and gender, we found interesting relationships.

Conclusion: Early maladaptive schemas have important effects on entertainment preferences. A better understanding of these relationships can provide us with more information on the reflections of personality on daily life.

Cite this article as: Yığman F, Aksu MH, Nazlı ŞB, Duman A. Psychological determinants of entertainment preferences: From the perspective of schema theory. Psychiatr Clin Psychopharmacol. 2021;31(4):417-424.