Mental Health Implications of (Mal-)Adaptive Approaches to Leisure Music Engagement: The Role of Motivation and Self-Criticism

The relationship between music engagement and health has attracted growing academic interest over the past decades, pointing to mostly beneficial associations, especially with music listening and music interventions. However, recent research indicates a more complex relationship emphasizing the relevance of exploring how and why people engage with music. Since playing music and singing are common leisure-time activities for many people, this study aimed to investigate potential (mal-)adaptive approaches to music engagement, that is, self-determined motivation, and its association with mental health in amateur musicians. One hundred and ninety-eight participants completed an online survey on their motivation to make music, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and self-criticism. Structural equation models showed that controlled motivation (more external reasons) positively predicted depression, stress, and self-criticism, but not anxiety. Further, results provided evidence for a full mediation of the association between controlled motivation and depression, anxiety, and stress via self-criticism. Our findings highlight the importance of individual motivations and dispositions in music engagement, pointing to potentially harmful effects on mental health. Practical implications for effective health promotion include considering individual motivations and dispositions and enhancing autonomy and self-compassion in leisure interventions and recreational therapy. Future research should investigate further individual and situational determinants.