What is Negative Bias and How It Affects Musicians

T.L. Mazumdar Author

Sep 24, 2024 |

How to negative bias can impact musicians' careers and mental health.

In the dimly lit corners of rehearsal spaces, the cramped seats of tour buses, or the sleepless nights before a release, musicians often unwittingly grapple with an unseen enemy they have never confronted consciously: negative bias.

This natural cognitive tendency to focus more intensely on negative experiences or stimuli over positive ones has often been the driving force behind perfectionism and similarly debilitating hurdles for artistic expression as we operate regularly in environments ripe with criticism, competition, and self-evaluation. 

Understanding negative bias is crucial not only for our creative output but our mental health.

Let’s discuss.

Understanding Negative Bias

Negative bias, or negativity bias, is a well-documented psychological concept where negative events, emotions, or feedback have a more significant impact on an individual's psychological state than neutral or positive ones.

This bias is thought to be an evolutionary mechanism—our ancestors needed to pay more attention to threats (negative stimuli) than to non-threatening situations to survive (Baumeister et al., 2001). While this might have been advantageous in a prehistoric context, it has profound implications in the modern world, especially in workspaces where creative output and self-worth are closely intertwined.

Studies indicate that negative emotions can trigger a more substantial cognitive response compared to positive ones. Part of this is due to the brain’s predisposition to encode and recall negative information more efficiently.

The Impact on Musicians

Sadly, musicians and artists are not immune to this bias; in fact, we are probably more susceptible to it due to the nature of our work, which is inherently subject to public scrutiny and personal self-assessment.

Self-Criticism and Perfectionism

Musicians are often their own harshest critics. Negative bias can exacerbate this self-criticism, leading us to fixate on minor mistakes during performances or in recordings, while downplaying or entirely overlooking the inherent success the act of playing music is.

This fixation is what drives perfectionism, a double-edged sword in the creative process. While on one hand, it can push us to get better at what we do, on the other, perfectionism when constantly fueled by negative bias could lead to an endless cycle of dissatisfaction and self-doubt where no accomplishment feels good enough (Sherry et al., 2016).

Emotional Turbulence

The emotional intensity that accompanies music creation and performance can be amplified greatly by negative bias. We might receive overwhelmingly positive feedback and still dwell on a single negative comment, allowing it to overshadow all the praise. This can lead to a disproportionate emotional response, where negative experiences induce anxiety, depression, or even a reluctance to perform.

Research has shown that musicians are at a higher risk for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression as well, partly due to the intense emotional highs and lows that the work involves (Kenny & Asher, 2016). While mental health is not as taboo a topic as it has been in the past, this still does not get talked about enough.

Creative Blocks

One indirect effect of negative bias a lot of us do not realize is the manner in which it often results in creative blocks. When we are overly focused on potential failures or past mistakes, our ability to experiment and take risks can be stifled.

The fear of criticism or rejection might lead to a more conservative approach to music-making, where we play it safe rather than exploring new, potentially groundbreaking ideas. This can result in a stagnation of artistic growth, as the musician's work becomes more about avoiding negative outcomes than pursuing true creative inspiration.

Strategies to Mitigate Negative Bias

Now that we’ve established the actual existence and risks of negativity bias, here are a few suggestions on dealing with it.

Cognitive Reframing

Cognitive reframing is a technique that encourages individuals to reinterpret negative thoughts or experiences in a more positive or neutral light. For musicians, this might involve actively challenging negative self-talk or reinterpreting criticism as constructive feedback rather than a personal failure.

Studies suggest that cognitive reframing could help reduce the impact of negative bias, allowing musicians to maintain a healthier perspective on their work and self-worth (Beck, 2011).

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness practices, which emphasize non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, can also be effective in mitigating negative bias. By focusing on the here and now, we can reduce the tendency to ruminate on past mistakes or anxieties about future performances.

Research has shown that mindfulness can decrease the influence of negative bias by reducing emotional reactivity and promoting a more balanced perspective (Kabat-Zinn, 2003).

I’d like to add that while mindfulness is often looked upon as a somewhat binary concept inherently linked to spiritual or religious practices, the truth of the matter is that there are many more neutral practices that are equally effective in inducing this state. Some simpler examples of this may be running, working out, dancing, or journaling.

Positive Feedback Loops

Creating positive feedback loops within a musician's environment can counterbalance the effects of negative bias. This could involve surrounding oneself with supportive peers who offer constructive and encouraging feedback or developing personal rituals that reinforce positive achievements, no matter how small.

It’s important to distinguish between this and echo chambers where people keep praising each other meaninglessly as a social nicety. True positive loops are the kind that also offer genuine feedback.

Fostering such positive social interactions and self-affirming practices though, can help reduce the dominance of negative bias (Fredrickson, 2001)

Thriving Despite Negative Bias

A provocative perspective to explore in this context would be if we musicians could harness this bias, not as a barrier, but as a tool for growth on the artistic journey.

So as an added bonus on this post, here’s a list of actionable steps you can implement and experiment with.

Actionable Steps to Overcome Negative Bias

1. Reframe Your Self-Talk

Reframe your internal dialogue. Musicians often fall into the trap of harsh self-criticism, focusing on what went wrong rather than celebrating what went right. Cognitive reframing involves challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more balanced, realistic ones.

Example: after a performance, instead of fixating on a missed note, acknowledge the overall success of the event.

An Actionable Step:

After every performance or practice session, write down three things that went well before you address any areas for improvement. This practice helps shift focus from negativity to a more positive one, reinforcing a balanced view of your abilities.

2. Embrace Constructive Criticism

Criticism is inevitable in the arts, but how you perceive and respond to it can make a difference. Rather than seeing criticism as a personal attack, consider viewing it as an opportunity for growth. Reframe criticism (assuming it is constructive), as a tool for refinement, not a judgment of your worth as a musician.

An Actionable Step:

When receiving feedback, make a habit of asking clarifying questions to ensure you understand the critique fully. Then, break down the feedback into actionable steps for improvement. This approach not only demystifies criticism but also turns it into a roadmap for progress.

3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—can significantly counteract negative bias. Musicians with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as threats to their self-worth. This mindset encourages resilience, helping you bounce back from setbacks with renewed determination.

An Actionable Step:

Set specific, achievable goals for your musical development, and track your progress over time. Celebrate small victories along the way, as they are evidence of your growth. Regularly remind yourself that every mistake is a step toward mastery.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness, the practice of being present in the moment without judgment, can reduce the impact of negative bias. By focusing on the present rather than ruminating on past mistakes or future anxieties, musicians can perform and create with greater freedom and less self-imposed pressure.

An Actionable Step:

Incorporate short mindfulness sessions into your daily routine. Before a practice session or performance, take five minutes to breathe deeply and center yourself. Focus on the sensations of your instrument, the sound of your voice, or the rhythm of your breath. This practice helps to calm the mind and can improve your focus and performance.

5. Surround Yourself with Positivity

The people you interact with can significantly influence your mindset. Surround yourself with supportive peers, mentors, and collaborators who provide constructive feedback and encouragement. Positive reinforcement from others can help counterbalance your internal negative bias.

An Actionable Step:

Start building a support network of fellow musicians who share similar goals and challenges. Try to engage in group practices, workshops, or discussions where positive feedback is encouraged. Seek communities that celebrate each other’s successes sincerely.

6. Engage in Regular Reflection

Reflection is a powerful tool for growth, but it needs to be balanced. Regularly reflecting on both your achievements and areas for improvement can provide a more holistic view of your progress. This practice can help reduce the disproportionate impact of negative bias on your self-assessment.

An Actionable Step:

Keep a journal where you reflect on your musical journey. Write about your accomplishments, lessons learned, and the emotions experienced along the way. Over time, this journal will become a testament to your growth and a resource for overcoming future challenges.

7. Seek Professional Support

If negative bias becomes overwhelming and starts affecting your mental health or your passion for music, seeking professional help is crucial. Coaches and therapists who specialize in working with artists can provide tools and techniques to manage negative thoughts effectively.

Conclusion: 

Negative bias is a natural part of the human experience, but it doesn’t have to be a stumbling block for musicians. 

By taking proactive steps to reframe your mindset, embrace growth, and surround yourself with positivity, you can transform negativity into a powerful catalyst for artistic and personal development. 

Remember, the key is not to eliminate negative bias but to manage it in a way that allows you to thrive, both as a musician and an individual. Through intentional practice and support, you can rise above the noise of negativity and let your true creative voice be heard.

By addressing negative bias head-on and implementing these actionable strategies, musicians can not only overcome the mental hurdles that hold them back but also emerge stronger, more resilient, and more successful in their artistic pursuits.

References

- Baumeister, R. F., Bratslavsky, E., Finkenauer, C., & Vohs, K. D. (2001). "Bad is stronger than good." *Review of General Psychology*, 5(4), 323-370.

- Beck, A. T. (2011). *Cognitive therapy of depression.* Guilford Press.

- Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). "The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions." *American Psychologist*, 56(3), 218-226.

- Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). "Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future." *Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice*, 10(2), 144-156.

- Kenny, D. T., & Asher, A. (2016). "Life satisfaction and risk and protective factors in musicians." *Music & Science*, 29(2), 99-120.

- Sherry, S. B., Hewitt, P. L., Flett, G. L., & Harvey, M. M. (2016). "Perfectionism dimensions, perfectionistic attitudes, dependent attitudes, and depression in musicians: A short-term longitudinal study." *Journal of Research in Personality*, 41(4), 725-735.

In the end, perhaps the most important takeaway is that negative bias, while pervasive, is not an insurmountable obstacle. With awareness, intention, and the right tools, musicians can harness their full creative potential while maintaining their mental well-being.

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Categories: : mental health, music education, self care