The definition of the 'yips' has evolved over time. It is defined as a motor phenomenon of involuntary movements affecting golfers. In this paper, we have extended the definition to encompass a continuum from the neurologic disorder of dystonia to the psychologic disorder of choking. In many golfers, the pathophysiology of the 'yips' is believed to be an acquired deterioration in the function of motor pathways (e.g. those involving the basal ganglia) which are exacerbated when a threshold of high stress and physiologic arousal is exceeded. In other golfers, the 'yips' seems to result from severe performance anxiety. Physically, the 'yips' is manifested by symptoms of jerks, tremors or freezing in the hands and forearms. These symptoms can result in: (i) a poor quality of golf performance (adds 4.9 strokes per 18 holes); (ii) prompt use of alcohol and beta-blockers; and (iii) contribute to attrition in golf. Golfers with the 'yips' average 75 rounds per year, although many 'yips'-affected golfers decrease their playing time or quit to avoid exposure to this embarrassing problem. While more investigation is needed to determine the cause of the 'yips', this review article summarises and organises the available research. A small study included in this paper describes the 'yips' phenomenon from the subjective experience of 'yips'-affected golfers. The subjective experience (n = 72) provides preliminary support for the hypothesis suggesting that the 'yips' is on a continuum. Based on the subjective definitions of 72 'yips'-affected golfers, the 'yips' was differentiated into type I (dystonia) and type II (choking). A theoretical model provides a guide for future research on golfers with either type I or type II 'yips'.

The 'yips' in golf: a continuum between a focal dystonia and choking.

In order to investigate mental health problems among professional musicians, we estimate the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression (psychological distress) among musicians compared to the general workforce. A total sample of 1,607 musicians from the Norwegian Musicians Union answered an online questionnaire about demographic characteristics, lifestyle and symptoms of anxiety and depression. They were compared to a sample of the Norwegian workforce (n = 2,550) drawn from the Norwegian survey of level of living 2012. Based on logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, education level, smoking status, alcohol usage, use of drugs, physical exercise and financial status, we compared anxiety and depression symptom levels in musicians to a variety of professions. Psychological distress was more prevalent among musicians than in the total workforce sample. Solo/lead performers, vocalists, keyboard instrument players and musicians playing within the traditional music genre reported the highest prevalence. Further research needs to map the psychosocial and personal factors contributing to the higher degree of depression and anxiety symptoms among musicians, as well as establishing evidence-based preventative measures.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0305735614564910

Symptoms of anxiety and depression among Norwegian musicians compared to the general workforce

Research addressing a link between musical creativity and mental disorder has predominantly considered composers rather than performers, and has been dominated by the questionable use of retrospective biographical research methods. This article calls for research to explore more widely the stressors and challenges that living musicians face in their work and lives. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 young musicians (nine freelance classical string players and nine jazz musicians). The participants expressed concern over their lack of job and financial security, and stressed the importance of reputations in the networks of musicians in which they operate. Socializing professionally was identified as a key means of advancing work prospects, in which alcohol consumption often played a strong role. Drinking patterns were also associated with the demands of performance, with alcohol consumption arising either as a consequence of pressure or boredom. These results are discussed in light of the l...

Insecurity, professional sociability, and alcohol: Young freelance musicians’ perspectives on work and life in the music profession:

Waiting for the Man: The Story of Drugs and Popular Music@@@Pressure Sensitive: Popular Musicians under Stress

Background: Research indicates that there is a higher degree of mental health problems, family/work conflicts and sleep-related problems among workers in creative occupations than in other professions. Research also reveals that musicians have to deal with a relatively high degree of occupational stress. There is, however, a lack of research investigating the qualities of freelance musicians' psychosocial work environment, as well as possible protective factors for maintaining good mental health. Methods: Based on 12 in-depth interviews, we used a template analysis to examine the unique characteristics of the professional life of freelance pop and rock musicians. Results: Using the job demands-resources model as a conceptual framework, we found that an unpredictable future, threats to the family/work balance and significant amounts of external pressure were three broad contextual demands facing freelance musicians. Social support from family, fellow band members, audiences and their professional network, ...

/pdf/specific-demands-and-resources-in-the-career-of-the-4uyjcep4aa.pdf

Specific demands and resources in the career of the Norwegian freelance musician

Surveying Popular Musicians’ Health Status Using Convenience Samples

Performance anxiety, alcohol-related problems, and social/emotional difficulties of college students: A comparative study between lower-division music and non-music majors

This paper reports university music majors' self reported drinking habits and perceptions of chemical use among music majors and professional musicians. Reported drinking levels of the sample were generally lower than national college student averages. Their perceptions were that chemical use among professional musicians were quite low Twenty-nine percent believed there was a problem with alcohol consumption among music majors; and 28% thought there was a problem with the use of other chemicals such as marijuana. For years university students have been faced with the problems associated with the use of alcohol and other chemicals. The Core Institute reported that in a nation wide survey, alcohol is the most used drug with marijuana being the third most popular after tobacco (Presley, Meilman, & Lyerla, 1993). Alcohol consumption among university students is often quite high, with rates ranging from 88% to 95% of the student population (Smith, Well, & Abdul-Salaam, 1997). Rates of binge drinking, which is defined as drinking more than 5 drinks at one sitting, has been reported as high as 41 % (Johnston, O'Malley, & Bachman 1991 ). The average number of drinks per week has been reported as being 5.5 to 7.6 range (Syre, Martino-McAllister, & Vanada (1997). Investigations of how these use patterns are developed and sustained have been on-going for years. It is also well documented that for adolescents and young adults the perception of drugs and alcohol use by peers or admired groups influences actual use of substances (Shepard, 1989; Astin, 1993; Lichtenfeld & Kayson, 1994). If young people believe a certain group consumes alcohol or drugs, they may be more likely to consume similar substances at high levels (Meilman, Presley, & Cashin 1997). At the college level, a number of studies have examined the issues of perception of substance use as well as actual behaviors for campus subgroups such as members of fraternities, sororities, and student athletes (Baer, Stacy, & Larimer, 1991; Syre, Martino-McAllister, & Vanada, 1997). Easthope ( 1993) made the point of encouraging more research in the area of use perception since actual use is impacted by perception. A review of the literature found no studies which examined the perceptions and use patterns of music majors. Among the general public there appears to be a perception that the use of alcohol and other drugs by professional musicians is quite high (Lewis, 1980; Dotter, 1987; Shapiro, 1988; Sharp, 1989). In addition, there are other indications of the "get down and party" attitude within many musical genres. One has only to look in the music pages of any daily newspaper to see publicity photos of bands showing the artists drinking. Also, more and more touring musicians receive financial support from beer companies so concert venues are filled with beer advertisements. Dotter (1987) discussed in some detail the hero worship role of the pop/rock musician and the resulting behavioral influences. Based on informational patterns from studies of professional musicians, one might wonder if music students have unique use and perception patterns. In an effort to establish a base line of information for further research, the purpose of this study was to assess alcohol use behaviors as well as perceptions of alcohol and other chemical use for a group of music majors. Participants Using a convenience sampling approach rather than random sampling, the investigators selected 132 music majors. The sample included students from lower division, upper division, and graduate level classes. All were enrolled in a mid-sized southwestern university which has a large college of music. Instrumentation and Procedure A brief questionnaire, which was constructed by the authors and allowed participants to remain anonymous, was administered to students in their classrooms. Certain classes were selected to acquire a balance of lower division, upper division, and graduate students. …

John Hipple

Papers

Surveying Popular Musicians’ Health Status Using Convenience Samples

Performance anxiety, alcohol-related problems, and social/emotional difficulties of college students: A comparative study between lower-division music and non-music majors

Alcohol Use Patterns and Perceptions of Substance Abuse among University Music Majors: A Preliminary Investigation