Effects on self-belief and performance

For my proposed inquiry topic (still unsure), I would like to look at external and internal influences or situations on self-belief and how they can affect a dancers performance. In module 1, I referenced mental health throughout. Upon reflecting and going through my essay I realised comparison to others was a factor that linked the topics together. After thinking deeper about the topic of 'comparison', low self-belief and confidence came to mind as one of the root causes leading to comparison (or could be consequences of comparing oneself). from my experience, this comparison can initially prevent full commitment to performance and the quality of movement.  This lead me to explore possible influences that could build or destroy your view of yourself and your self-belief. 

Throughout this I refer to performance, so I think I should say what it means to me in relation to the dance industry. I believe it can be a representation of how well/ confidently a dancer expresses themselves through the movement and how they approach new steps/ choreography. In my opinion, how you initially approach choreography (what pre-conceived opinions/feelings about the style/ choreography) can affect what your performance in picking it up can be (negativity/ self-consciousness could cause a mental block). The effort, expressiveness,  and energy of your movements , and possibly the overall quality/ style (though these can also be owed to other factors) can also possibly be effected due to your approach and self-belief. 

This also lead me to question: is it an increase in self-belief that creates better performance? Or can a lower self-belief (or self-esteem) actually increase performance?

From my experience, I feel both questions can be answered with a tentative yes. I believe that in a sense having mild low-self belief aided boosting my work ethic and motivation whilst in professional training. This meant that even if there was success (e.g. a complement, getting a particular role), there would be something else to improve (the notion of 'there is always someone better than you' comes to mind). This kept up my motivation to keep training and working hard.

A study by Woodman, Akehurst, Hardy and Beattie in 2010 (linked below) titled "self-confidence and performance: A little self-doubt helps" found that along with a "positive relationship between self-efficacy (self-confidence) and performance", there is also a negative relationship between the two as it can lead to "risk-taking" and most importantly (in my opinion) "complacency".   However, the point can be made that goals and having role models aided improvement of performance in dance, not just mild low self-belief.

On the other hand, an increase in self-belief has been shown to improve performance (Bandura, 1977, and Locke 2003, ). In one of the studies I have looked at, fully believing in your capabilities to succeed and get through a task have resulted in success of the many of the individuals confronting their phobia and completing a previously triggering task. 

"people fear and tend to avoid threatening situations they believe exceed their coping skills" (Bandura 1977). 

I think this can relate to dancers not fully believing they can complete a movement successfully, so hold back and avoid fully committing, or 'throwing' themselves into the movement with a quiet self-belief and confidence . Fear does play a large part in self-belief: fear of others judgement, fear of failure, fear of injury- these all can prevent a performer from experimenting with performance.  This study also looked at different methods of boosting self-belief and their effectiveness- e.g. through observation, hands on experience, being told they can succeed e.c.t.

Another point I came across after listening to Niall Breslin's 'Wake up/Wind down (UK & IE)' Spotify podcast(2020, linked below) was that "its often fear that stands in our way and nothing else". I interpreted this in that it isn't self-belief on its own that can prevent you from performing to the best of your ability, but you should use self-belief and confidence as a tool to take a step back and take some time evaluate your fear (mindfulness) which can help you to succeed and improve.

I think it is interesting to note how professional training can impact self-belief. The influences could be teaching methods; expectations put onto the students (can also be a internally placed); experiences with new styles and situations (like the outcome of mock auditions and casting, which can be new to many dancers beginning training); and possibly coming from a small school into a larger one (new challenges). 

it would also be interesting to learn how others think this can be improved/ handled in order to improve performance.

I would love to hear your experiences and views on this topic!

References

Breslin, N. and Spotify Studios. (2021) ‘Wake up/ Wind down (UK & IE), Wednesday wake up Mar 3’, Spotify [podcast]. 03/03/2021. Available at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0yxewPfofuOwahpHwyQsCG?si=U4hyAfTwRtqIYEdGqkNWdA [accessed 03/03/2021]

Brandura, A. and Locke, E A. (2003) Negative self-efficacy and Goal Effects Revisited, journal of applied psychology, vol. 88, no.1, pp, 88-99, [online, PDF format] Available at: https://www.uky.edu/~eushe2/Bandura/Bandura2003JAP.pdf [accessed 04/03/2021]

Bandura,A. (1977) self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological review. Vol.84, no.2, pp.191-215. [Online, PDF format] available at: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.315.4567&rep=rep1&type=pdf [accessed 02/02/2021]

Woodman, T. Akehurst, S. Hardy, L. and Beattie, S. (2010) ‘Self-confidence and performance: A little self-doubt helps’ Psychology of sport and Exercise, vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 467-470 [online]. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1469029210000750 [accessed: 03/03/2021]