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Mapping the relationship between flow experience and music performance anxiety: a scoping review
Nery Borges1, Helena Marinho1, Marcos Araújo2
1Department of Communication and Arts, Institute of Ethnomusicology - Center for Studies in Music and Dance (INET-md), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
Frontiers in Psychology
|March 13, 2026
Summary
Flow Experience (FE) and Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) are often negatively correlated, but moderate anxiety can facilitate flow. Emotional regulation and self-efficacy are key factors in this relationship for musicians.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Music Performance
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Flow Experience (FE) and Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) are critical for understanding musician well-being and performance.
- Their interaction influences emotional activation and attentional focus during musical performances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically map and synthesize existing literature on the relationship between FE and MPA.
- To understand how musicians navigate anxiety to achieve optimal performance states.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Comprehensive literature search across five major databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, SAGE).
- Systematic analysis of 18 empirical studies based on predefined criteria.
Main Results:
- A predominantly negative correlation exists between FE and MPA.
- Moderate anxiety, when perceived as a challenge, can coexist with or enhance FE.
- Emotional self-regulation, self-efficacy, and self-esteem mediate the FE-MPA relationship.
- Interventions like yoga and mindfulness reduce MPA and increase FE.
Conclusions:
- FE and MPA exist on a dynamic continuum, with anxiety regulation potentially preceding flow.
- Current understanding of their interaction is methodologically fragmented.
- Future research should employ multimodal and longitudinal designs to elucidate mechanisms and inform performance preparation strategies.
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