Loud car lovers linked to depression, psychopathy: Study says

Julie Aitken Shermer, a professor at Western University in London, Ontario, was inspired to explore the phenomenon while walking her dog near campus. Daily encounters with loud cars, pickup trucks and motorcycles fueled her curiosity about the motivations behind such noise pollution.

In conducting his study, Aitken Schermer surveyed 529 undergraduate business students, questioning their feelings about loud cars and their willingness to modify their vehicles for more noise. Participants also completed the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4) personality test, which assessed traits associated with narcissism, sadism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism.

Contrary to expectations, the study revealed a stronger relationship between preference for loud cars than for sadness, psychopathy and narcissism. Aitken Shermer attributes this association to ignoring the reactions of others and the pleasure derived from startling individuals.

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However, the research has limitations, focusing only on young business students at a single university and neglecting other noisy vehicles such as motorcycles. Consequently, the findings may not be representative of the broader demographic.

Despite its limitations, the study raises interesting questions about the psychological basis of automotive preferences. It reflects on the intersection of personality traits and consumer behavior in the automotive industry.

As debates about noise pollution and environmental sustainability intensify, understanding the motivations behind choices for loud cars becomes increasingly relevant. It underscores the complex interplay between individual psychology, social norms, and technological advances in shaping consumer preferences.

While the study provides valuable insights, further research involving different demographic groups and broader vehicle categories is needed to validate and expand these findings. Ultimately, unraveling the psychology behind automotive choices provides a nuanced perspective on human behavior and its implications for the automotive landscape.

Date of first publication: 05 May 2024, 5:00 PM IST