Flow in music performance and music-listening: Differences in intensity, predictors, and the relationship between flow and subjective well-being

Abstract

Flow describes a state of total absorption in an activity. This optimal experience has received much attention in research on music-playing and performing, but not on interindividual differences in music-listening. We expect differences in the intensity of flow between performing music and listening to music and in the relationships with subjective well-being. In Study 1 ( N = 207; questionnaire study), we investigated differences in flow between performing and listening to music in three dimensions of flow. We analyzed correlations between flow, previous musical training, music experience, and subjective well-being. Participants reported a more intense flow experience while listening to music than while performing music. Flow was significantly associated with subjective well-being and music experience. For performing music, flow was positively correlated with previous musical practice. Study 2 ( N = 383; questionnaire study) focused on flow while listening to music and subjective well-being, and on the role a flexible self-concept plays in this phenomenon. Stronger relationships between flow and subjective well-being were obtained for individuals with a highly flexible self-concept. Flow was positively correlated with music experience. The results provided evidence for relationships between flow, previous musical practice, and music experience. Correlations with subjective well-being depend on processes of self-regulation.