Shy Dancers Experience Less Flow and More Trait Anxiety and Shame: A Group Comparison Study

Abstract

Introduction: There is limited research on the impact of shyness on dancers; a personality trait that is characterized by reticence, timidity, and a sense of social discomfort. This study investigated dispositional flow, trait anxiety, and internalized shame among shy dancers. Methods: For this cross-sectional IRB approved study, 302 pre-professional and professional dancers were recruited from a state university. Four self-report measures were administered. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to examine the differences in dispositional global flow, trait anxiety, and shame among three groups of dancers with high, moderate, or low shyness. A post hoc exploratory descriptive MANCOVA examined group differences in the nine flow dimensions. Stepwise linear regression analysis determined significant predictors of shyness. Results: High and moderate shy dancers were more likely to endorse lower levels of dispositional flow and higher trait anxiety and shame compared to low shy dancers. There were group differences in dispositional flow dimensions; high and moderate shy dancers reported less challenge-skill balance, merging of action and awareness, clear goals, concentration on the task at hand, sense of control, loss of self-consciousness, and autotelic experience compared to low shy dancers. When high shy and moderate shy dancers were compared, high shy dancers had increased trait anxiety and internalized shame and decreased loss of self-consciousness. In addition, internalized shame, dispositional flow (negative), and then trait anxiety were found to be predictors of shyness. These variables explained 30.2% of the variance in shyness. Conclusions: Shy dancers endorsed lower levels of dispositional flow, while having higher trait anxiety and internalized shame, which may influence their continued participation in dance. Professionals working with shy dancers should consider ways to help shy dancers adjust to different evaluative aspects of dance and manage anxiety and feelings of shame. Future research should consider investigating best practices in supporting shy dancers.