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This study examined the relationship between performance anxiety and flow proneness. Ninety undergraduate music majors (52 females, 38 males) recruited from a major research university volunteered to participate. The data collection instrument consisted of two previously established inventories: the Performance Anxiety Inventory and the Music in Flow Inventory. As predicted, the data showed flow proneness to be significantly and negatively correlated with performance anxiety (r = -0.20, p = 0.034, one-tailed test). The data also supported a prediction that the ability to play/sing without destructive self-criticism would be negatively related to performance anxiety (r = -0.39, p < 0.001, one-tailed). The results suggest that both musical performance anxiety and a flow state of consciousness can exist simultaneously. It appears that creating performance conditions that foster flow may be a useful strategy for helping to alleviate the intensity of musical performance anxiety. Med Probl Perform Art 2008; 23:59-65.
Studies have shown that playing music while in a state of flow is a desirable experience.1,2 Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi3,4 coined the term flow to refer to a state of focused absorption in an activity. The noted psychologist described flow as a merging of action and awareness, where consciousness, mind, and body become harmoniously directed, without the presence of anxiety. According to Csikszentmihalyi,4 the general conditions that facilitate flow experiences include the following:
* the task requires above-average concentration
* challenge and skill levels are relatively matched
* the task is freely chosen
* the task is totally absorbing, often leading one to lose track of time
* goals are clear
* means and methods are clear for reaching goals
* the experience provides immediate feedback.
Many of these conditions, however, are not present when musical performance anxiety occurs.
In addition to promoting fulfillment, freedom, and fun, perhaps playing music while in flow would be beneficial as an antidote to musical performance anxiety.5,6 Flow has been found to correlate positively with creativity in musical composition. 7 Csikszentmihalyi's second condition, that challenge and skill levels be relatively matched,4 is conceptually related to musical performance anxiety. An experience that comprises too much challenge usually results in anxiety.1,4
Many musicians experience a feeling of not being able to perform to their expected capacity as a result of an increased anxiety level....