The effects of relaxing music for anxiety control on the intensity and directional aspects of competitive state anxiety

This investigation examined the effects of relaxing music for anxiety control (Elliott, Polman & Mcgregor, 2011) on the intensity (CSAI-2R, HR and subjective relaxation) and directional aspects of competitive state anxiety. Sixty-one participants performed an accuracy-based motor task competition. Preceding this, participants underwent a ten-minute intervention period of either listening to relaxing music for anxiety control, non-relaxing music or a no music control. Anxiety measures were taken on three occasions (baseline, pre-intervention and post-intervention). For intensity, the analysis showed significant main effects for all conditions. No between-group differences were found. However, ES data did show some support for the application of relaxing music for anxiety control. As to direction, the reductions in intensity were perceived as significantly more facilitative. No between-group differences were evident, however, ES were largest in the no music control. Intervention type had no significant effect on motor skill performance.