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Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Jun 2020Anxiety is a substantial consideration in scuba diving and may influence a diver's performance and cognitive activities. This study aimed to simultaneously observe the...
INTRODUCTION
Anxiety is a substantial consideration in scuba diving and may influence a diver's performance and cognitive activities. This study aimed to simultaneously observe the effect of anxiety trait on actual diving performance and underwater cognitive processing ability.
METHODS
Twenty-seven scuba divers completed the STAI-T component of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and were subdivided into two groups on the basis of trait anxiety scores ≥ 39 and < 39. Scuba diving performance was measured in a pool. The completion time of four standardised scuba skills was recorded by a diving instructor. The correct completion rate and response time for a cognitive function assessment (number-Stroop test) were measured both on land ('dry') and underwater at 5 metres' fresh water.
RESULTS
Anxiety trait was associated with prolonged mask clearing: mean completion time 7.1 (SD 3.2) s vs. 10.8 (5.4) s in low and high anxiety trait divers respectively (P = 0.04). Low (vs high) anxiety trait divers had reduced response times for the number-Stroop test: 49.8 (3.0) s vs. 53.3 (5.4) s (P = 0.04) dry, and 64.4 (5.0) s vs. 72.5 (5.5) s (P < 0.01) underwater. Performance of other skills was not significantly affected by trait anxiety nor correlated with the number-Stroop test results.
CONCLUSIONS
Personal anxiety trait prolongs mask clearing and underwater cognitive processing ability but the latter did not affect execution of other underwater scuba diving skills.
Topics: Anxiety; Cognition; Diving; Humans
PubMed: 32557414
DOI: 10.28920/dhm50.2.130-134 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is one of the most widespread and debilitating challenges facing musicians, affecting significant numbers of performers in terms of both... (Review)
Review
Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is one of the most widespread and debilitating challenges facing musicians, affecting significant numbers of performers in terms of both their personal and professional functioning. Although numerous interventions exist to target MPA, its prevalence remains unchanged since the first large-scale studies of the 1980s, indicating that available interventions are having limited impact. This review synthesizes and critiques existing literature in order to investigate possible reasons for the limited efficacy of current approaches to managing MPA. Key concepts discussed include conceptual and methodological challenges surrounding defining MPA, theoretical perspectives on MPA's etiology and manifestation, and the coping strategies and interventions used to manage MPA. MPA has predominantly been investigated pathologically and defined as a negative construct manifesting in unwanted symptoms. Based on this conceptualization, interventions largely seek to manage MPA through ameliorating symptoms. This review discusses possible reasons why this approach has broadly not proved successful, including the issue of relaxation being both unrealistic and counterproductive for peak performance, issues associated with intentionally changing one's state creating resistance thus exacerbating anxiety, and focusing on the presence of, rather than response to, symptoms. Despite 50 years of research, MPA remains an unsolved enigma and continues to adversely impact musicians both on and off the stage. Reconceptualizing MPA as a normal and adaptive response to the pressures of performance may offer a new perspective on it, in terms of its definition, assessment and management, with practical as well as theoretical implications.
PubMed: 38022988
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1194873 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2021Most studies exploring the relation between flow and Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) have focused on the disposition of generally experiencing flow and the occurrence of...
Most studies exploring the relation between flow and Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) have focused on the disposition of generally experiencing flow and the occurrence of MPA. Little is known about the connection between experiencing flow and MPA as it relates to a specific performance. In this study, flow and MPA have been investigated in 363 orchestral musicians in relation to a particular live music performance. The musicians were asked to fill out a questionnaire immediately after a concert. Flow experience during the performance was measured using the Flow Short Scale. The Performance-specific Questionnaire on MPA (PQM) was used for MPA. The PQM addresses particular aspects of MPA and refers retrospectively to the time before and during the performance as well as to the moment of filling out the questionnaire after the performance. Using three scales, the functional coping, the perceived symptoms of MPA and self-efficacy were determined for each time point of the performance. The results showed that experiencing flow was on average higher among orchestral musicians compared to a sample of the general population. However, there were differences between the professional and non-professional musicians. All PQM scales showed significant correlations with the global flow scale. Regression analysis on the global flow score found that regarding the time before the performance the PQM scale symptoms of MPA were diametrically connected with the flow experience. The PQM scale functional coping was shown to be positively related to the flow during the performance. Moreover, high self-efficacy was found to be closely related with stronger flow experience. Furthermore, flow seems to have positive effects on functionally coping with MPA and the self-efficacy after the performance. These findings confirm the negative relationship between flow and symptoms of MPA, offering further approaches in understanding the relationship especially for live music performances.
PubMed: 34899468
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.725569 -
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991) Mar 2023Anxiety impacts performance monitoring, though theory and past research are split on how and for whom. However, past research has often examined either trait anxiety in...
Anxiety impacts performance monitoring, though theory and past research are split on how and for whom. However, past research has often examined either trait anxiety in isolation or task-dependent state anxiety and has indexed event-related potential components, such as the error-related negativity or post-error positivity (Pe), calculated at a single node during a limited window of time. We introduced 2 key novelties to this electroencephalography research to examine the link between anxiety and performance monitoring: (i) we manipulated antecedent, task-independent, state anxiety to better establish the causal effect; (ii) we conducted moderation analyses to determine how state and trait anxiety interact to impact performance monitoring processes. Additionally, we extended upon previous work by using a microstate analysis approach to isolate and sequence the neural networks and rapid mental processes in response to error commission. Results showed that state anxiety disrupts response accuracy in the Stroop task and error-related neural processes, primarily during a Pe-related microstate. Source localization shows that this disruption involves reduced activation in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and compensatory activation in the right lateral prefrontal cortex, particularly among people high in trait anxiety. We conclude that antecedent anxiety is largely disruptive to performance monitoring.
Topics: Humans; Brain Mapping; Electroencephalography; Evoked Potentials; Anxiety; Mental Processes; Brain
PubMed: 35989310
DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac307 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023During their career, musicians need to undergo intense periods of training to master musical instruments and become accomplished artists. Dysfunctional practice...
INTRODUCTION
During their career, musicians need to undergo intense periods of training to master musical instruments and become accomplished artists. Dysfunctional practice behaviors and anxiety are often mentioned among the possible risk factors for playing-related injuries in musicians. However, the mechanism through which these might lead to the onset of these injuries is still unclear. The present study aims at overcoming this limitation by investigating the relationship between quantitative measurements of anxiety, practice behaviors and music performance quality.
METHODS
The experiment consisted in monitoring practice behaviors in 30 pianists practicing a short musical task.
RESULTS
Most self-report anxiety measurements were positively correlated with practice time, especially those collected right before the practice sessions. Similar correlations were identified between anxiety and the number of repetitions of the musical task. Physiological markers of anxiety were only weakly related to practice behaviors. Subsequent analyses showed that high levels of anxiety were associated with poor quality of music performances at baseline. Nevertheless, the interaction between participants' learning rate and anxiety measures showed no association with performance quality scores. Moreover, anxiety and performance quality co-developed during practice sessions, showing that pianists who improved their playing were also less anxious in the latter part of the experiment.
DISCUSSION
These findings suggest that anxious musicians are likely at higher risk of developing playing-related injuries related to overuse and repetitive strains. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.
PubMed: 37077842
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1152900 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023Music performance anxiety (MPA) manifests itself at mental, physiological, and behavioral levels. The present study investigated how the experience of the three levels...
Music performance anxiety (MPA) manifests itself at mental, physiological, and behavioral levels. The present study investigated how the experience of the three levels of symptoms changes over time, and how musicians cope with these temporal changes in MPA symptoms. To this end, we conducted a questionnaire survey in which 38 student musicians freely commented on their experiences of mental and physical changes, as well as their coping strategies for these changes. This was examined during five different time periods around public performance, extending from the beginning of the preparation for a public performance until shortly before the next public performance. The free-text comments obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed thematically and classified into different response themes. We then examined the temporal changes in the frequency of comments on each response theme. We further conducted a semi-structured interview involving eight musicians to explore the responses to the questionnaire in greater detail. We analyzed the contents of the free-text comments obtained from the questionnaire and the interview for each response theme, focusing on the most frequently mentioned sub-themes. The results indicate that musicians started to experience mental MPA symptoms (e.g., negative feelings) as soon as they began to prepare for public performance. To cope with mental symptoms, musicians employed mental strategies such as positive thinking/self-talk and concentration both before and during public performance. The experience of physiological MPA symptoms (e.g., increased heart rate) peaked shortly before public performance and remained throughout performance. To cope with a variety of physiological symptoms, musicians employed physical strategies, especially deep breathing and exercise, shortly before public performance. In contrast, behavioral MPA symptoms (e.g., tremor) were experienced mostly during public performance. Some musicians also reported experiencing the actual impairment of performance quality. To avoid this, musicians employed a variety of practicing techniques (e.g., playing at a slower tempo) during the preparation for public performance and performing techniques (e.g., paying attention to expressions) during public performance. Together, the present findings indicate that mental, physiological, and behavioral symptoms of MPA exhibit differential timelines and that musicians effectively utilize different coping strategies according to the temporal changes in MPA symptoms.
PubMed: 37325759
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1138922 -
BioMed Research International 2020. Most performance theories were tested under controlled laboratory settings and offer therefore only limited transferability to real-life situations. E-sport...
UNLABELLED
. Most performance theories were tested under controlled laboratory settings and offer therefore only limited transferability to real-life situations. E-sport competitions offer a relatively controllable while at the same time competitive setting, and our aim was to examine different influencing factors on competitive performance. . Salivary cortisol was measured immediately before, after, and 30 minutes after a game of 23 computer players during e-sport tournaments. The players answered the Flow Short Scale, which consists of the two subdimensions "flow experience" and "anxiety" subsequent to their game. The performance was assessed by the result of each player's game (win or loss).
RESULTS
Mean cortisol levels increased significantly during the game but response patterns were inconsistent. Winners and losers differed significantly in anxiety with winners showing higher anxiety levels. After dividing the sample into three groups of different cortisol response patterns, significant differences in performance and anxiety were found, with low to moderate levels of cortisol being associated with the highest performance and anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS
A low to moderate physiological arousal and a simultaneously high level of anxiety represent a favorable state for achieving optimal performance during e-sports. Anxiety seems to exert a stronger influence on performance than physiological arousal.
Topics: Adult; Anxiety; Arousal; Competitive Behavior; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Male; Saliva; Sports; Stress, Psychological; Young Adult
PubMed: 32076623
DOI: 10.1155/2020/9651245 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a natural, emotional, and physiological response to the stress of public performance. Debilitating forms of MPA are severe and... (Review)
Review
Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a natural, emotional, and physiological response to the stress of public performance. Debilitating forms of MPA are severe and persistent reactions that go beyond the normal adaptive response to music evaluation situations and can negatively impact the quality of musical performance and the musician's life in general. Today, it affects numerous professional performers and can result in an inability to practice their profession, posing a significant threat to their professional activity. Despite its scope, studies exploring this issue and contributing to its resolution are scarce. Thus, this review aims to compile the significant advancements made in the last five years (2018-2023) in the treatment of MPA from a scientific perspective. For this purpose, the PRISMA method was used based on the results obtained from the Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Reviewed are 10 studies that have made valuable contributions to this matter in this time frame after applying the quality filters using the PRISMA method. It is concluded that, although there are methodological shortcomings and sample limitations in the current research, this field registers advancements that provide valuable information to prevent or solve this problem in professional or aspiring musicians.
PubMed: 37753998
DOI: 10.3390/bs13090720 -
Alpha Psychiatry Jul 2021This study aimed to compare the anxiety and narcissism levels of different performance groups in female handball players.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to compare the anxiety and narcissism levels of different performance groups in female handball players.
METHODS
A total of 59 athletes between the ages of 15 and 37 participated in the study, taking the first 4 places from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus senior women handball 1st league in the 2017-2018 season. Wingate peak power (WPP), Wingate average power (WAP), handball agility test (HAST), 10 m speed (10S), 20 m speed (20S), 20m shuttle run (SR), hands on waist vertical jump (HEVJ), hands free vertical jumping (HFVJ) test, Beck anxiety scale (BAI), 5-factor narcissism scale-short form (FFNI-SF), and sociodemographic data form were used. The athletes were divided into upper performance (UPG) and lower performance groups (LPG) using the median value according to the results of the physical measurement tests (FST).
RESULTS
It was determined that the anxiety level of the participants in the LPG group was higher than that in the UPG group. The narcissism level of the participants in the UPG group was found to be higher than that in the LPG group. The scores of consent seeking, arrogance, leader/authority, insecurity, claiming rights, exhibitionism, carelessness, lack of empathy, and adventurousness were higher than LPG. In the correlation analysis, a positive and low level of relationship between anxiety and 20S and a negative and low level of significant relationship between HEJV were found. It was observed that there was a positive and low level significant relationship between narcissism and WPP, HFJV, and HEJV. It has been revealed that anxiety and narcissism variables have a predictive effect on the physical performance average score.
CONCLUSION
The findings suggest that in female handball players, high levels of narcissism may affect the performance positively and high anxiety levels negatively. As a result of this study, it was revealed that anxiety and narcissism have a predictive effect on physical performance average score in women's handball.
PubMed: 36424938
DOI: 10.5455/apd.116943 -
International Journal of Exercise... 2017Participation in competitive sport may impact psychological measures, such as mood and performance anxiety, which in turn may impact enjoyment, adherence, continued...
Participation in competitive sport may impact psychological measures, such as mood and performance anxiety, which in turn may impact enjoyment, adherence, continued participation, and so on. This study assessed the feasibility - in terms of process, resources, management, and potential scientific value- of measuring the effect of varying competitive challenges upon the mood and performance anxiety measures of high school athletes. The participants (n=12) consisted of the boys' varsity basketball team at a high school in a rural Midwestern community. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) to assess mood and the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) to assess performance anxiety, respectively. Survey administration occurred at and prior to games designated as , , and . feasibility measures were achieved in this prospective design. Significant correlations on the subscale measures were found on the POMS and SAS-2 administered before the four conditions in this study; Chronbach's alpha ranged from 0.54-0.94 across conditions for POMS subscales, and Chronbach's alpha ranged from 0.73-0.97 across all conditions for SAS-2 subscales, respectively. Significant differences were found across conditions in the POMS subscale [(3,33) = 5.71, = 0.01] and in the SAS-2 subscale [(3,33) = 6.13, =0.01]. These preliminary findings suggest that the competitive conditions in this study significantly affected some measures of mood and performance anxiety in high school basketball players. These findings warrant further investigation, as well as suggest coaches could gather such information from their players, ultimately aiding in player development and team performance.
PubMed: 28674604
DOI: No ID Found