Freeing the performer's mind: A network analysis of music performance anxiety, negative affect, self‐consciousness and mindfulness among music performers
Óscar Lecuona, Jennifer E. Moreno‐Jiménez, Luz Sofía Vilte, Sara de Rivas, Zulema de la Cruz, Raquel Rodríguez‐carvajal
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology May 29, 2023 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12929 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 151 |
| Population | Musicians |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Dispositional mindfulness was negatively associated with both negative affect and music performance anxiety, while mindfulness in past performances was negatively associated only with negative affect. Music performance anxiety was positively associated with negative affect and self-consciousness, and mindfulness showed little or no association with self-consciousness. The authors argue mindfulness is a relevant construct for music performance anxiety and propose a preliminary model to guide research and interventions for performers. |
Abstract
Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a common damaging phenomenon in musicians' careers. Mindfulness stands as a promising construct to prevent MPA. However, the relationships between mindfulness and MPA are scarcely explored, alongside other relevant attention-based (e.g., self-consciousness) or emotion-based constructs (e.g., negative affect). This study explores the relationships between these constructs. A sample of 151 musicians was assessed to explore the relationships between these constructs. Self-reports of mindfulness, MPA, negative affect, and self-consciousness were applied. We implemented network analysis following a general (second-order) and specific (first-order) framework. Networks showed dispositional mindfulness as negatively associated with negative affect and MPA in both general and facet levels, while mindfulness in past performances was only negatively associated with negative affect. MPA was positively associated with negative affect and self-consciousness. Mindfulness displayed light or no associations with self-consciousness. Therefore, mindfulness seems to be a relevant construct toward MPA. We propose a preliminary model to improve mindfulness research and interventions applied to music performers. We also outline limitations and future directions.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder | 2015 | Observational study | |
| Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise Regular practitioners of physical exercise or meditation | 1978 | Retrospective study | n = 77 |
| Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Healthy humans | 2020 | Observational study | |
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- How Does Brief Mindfulness Training Influence Neurophysiology During Working Memory in Musicians With Music Performance Anxiety? Psychological Reports August 28, 2026
- Mindfulness and music performance anxiety among early- and mid-career musicians in transition: the mediating roles of emotional intelligence and perfectionism Frontiers in Psychology April 15, 2026
Cites 7
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- The toronto mindfulness scale: Development and validation Journal of Clinical Psychology 2006
- Silent illumination: a study on Chan (Zen) meditation, anxiety, and musical performance quality Psychology of Music October 10, 2007
- Mind fulness and Music: A Promising Subject of an Unmapped Field International Journal of Behavioral Research & Psychology April 12, 2014
- Relationships Among Meditation, Perfectionism, Mindfulness, and Performance Anxiety Among Collegiate Music Students Journal of Research in Music Education July 1, 2018
and 2 more in the library