Confidence and Denial Factors Affect MusicianÕs Postperformance Immune Responses

Author(s): Montello, L., Perez, J.

Journal/Book: International Journal of Arts Medicine. 1995; 4:

Abstract: Changes in salivary Immunoglobulin-A (S-IgA) were measured in 20 musicians in response to a piano exam stressor. We examined these changes as a joint function of the two personality factors emerging from answers to a battery of questionnaire items. Musicians scoring high on both ÒLow Confidence/High ThreatÓ (Factor 1) and ÒHigh Denial/Detached AffectÓ defense against performance anxiety (Factor 2) showed significantly depressed IgA levels 13Ú4 hours after the exam as compared to levels measured 11Ú2 weeks earlier (baseline). Oppositely, musicians with high confidence and low denial showed significantly elevated IgA levels compared to baselineña positive, good health prognosticator. The results confirmed expectations derived from pilot and other work and from DienstbierÕs ÒtoughnessÓ formulation regarding whose immune system will respond positively or negatively to stress. A psychophysiological Yerkes-Dodson model is suggested to account for the pattern of the results.

Keyword(s): immune system, stress, personality factors, musicians, confidence, denial, IgA, salivary immunoglobulin-A

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