RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Individual Differences Predict Patterns in Spontaneous Involuntary Musical Imagery
JF Music Perception: An Interdisciplinary Journal
FD University of California Press
SP 323
OP 338
DO 10.1525/mp.2014.31.4.323
VO 31
IS 4
A1 Müllensiefen, Daniel
A1 Fry, Joshua
A1 Jones, Rhiannon
A1 Jilka, Sagar
A1 Stewart, Lauren
A1 Williamson, Victoria J
YR 2014
UL http://mp.ucpress.edu/content/31/4/323.abstract
AB Involuntary musical imagery (INMI) describes the everyday phenomenon of having a tune stuck in the head. Research has established the ubiquity of this form of spontaneous cognition but the predictive role of individual differences is still debated. This study examines the impact of everyday musical behaviors and subclinical obsessive compulsive attributes on INMI experiences. In total 1,536 participants completed three online questionnaires; a novel inventory of musical behavior and INMI, and a standardized obsessive compulsion (OC) inventory. Exploratory factor analysis (N = 512) and structural equation modelling (N = 1,024) were applied. Everyday singing and music listening positively predict length and frequency of reported INMI episodes, respectively. No relationships were found with musical training. High OC was positively related to INMI frequency and disturbance, but only indirectly to INMI episode length and unpleasantness. The identified contributory factors of INMI experiences are discussed in the context of musical memory and spontaneous mental activity.