Hatfield, J. L. and Williamon, A. (2025) Competitiveness and performance anxiety as predictors of performance success and intent to quit playing: deliberate practice as mediator and moderator. Music Education Research ISSN 1461-3808 (print) 1469-9893 (online)
Abstract
This study examined how music performance anxiety (MPA) and competitiveness were associated with intent to quit playing one’s musical instrument and perceived performance success in a sample of 281 aspiring professional musicians. Most importantly, both the mediating and moderating role of DP were explored with these outcomes. The hypotheses were partially supported: MPA predicted intent to quit playing positively, and performance success negatively. Competitiveness did not significantly relate to either of the outcomes. Notably, the results revealed that the more involvement in DP the less MPA, which in turn predicted lower intent to quit playing and greater performance success among the participants. Indirect effects indicated that DP partially mediated the relationship between MPA and both outcomes. Competitiveness was not related to DP, and indirect effects via DP were not significant. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that DP accounted for additional variance beyond MPA and was strongly associated with greater performance success and lower turnover intention. The interaction term (DP × MPA) did not predict outcomes, providing no clear evidence for a buffering role of DP. These findings highlight the direct association of DP with positive outcomes in aspiring professional musicians, rather than any moderating effect on the negative consequences of MPA.
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