Abstract
This study investigated the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a treatment for music performance anxiety (MPA) in an uncontrolled pilot design. ACT is a newer, “third-wave” therapy that differs from previous MPA treatments, because its goal is not to reduce symptoms of MPA. Rather, ACT aims to enhance psychological flexibility in the presence of unwanted symptoms through the promotion of six core processes collectively known as the ACT “Hexaflex.” A small group of student vocalists (N = 7) from an elite choral college were recruited using objective criteria for evaluating MPA. Participants received 12 ACT sessions, and their baseline functioning served as a pre-treatment control. Treatment consisted of an orientation to ACT, identifying experientially avoidant behaviors, facilitation of Hexaflex processes, group performances in which valued behaviors were practiced in front of one another, meditations, homework, and completion of self-report measures before, during, and after treatment (at a 1- and 3-month follow-up). Improvements were observed in participants' cognitive defusion, acceptance of MPA symptoms, and psychological flexibility at post-treatment and follow-ups. Students also appeared to improve their performance quality and reduce their shame over having MPA. These results add to existing research suggesting ACT is a promising intervention for MPA, while also highlighting how vocal students may be less impaired by physical MPA symptoms.
Highlights
music performance anxiety (MPA) Prevalence among Instrumentalists and VocalistsMusic performance anxiety (MPA) is a potentially debilitating condition affecting professional and student musicians alike
Scores on all self-report measures at both baselines were compared to scores at the first treatment session using a oneway ANOVA to assess for changes in functioning during the baseline period, or changes between the baseline period and first treatment session
It offered a possible solution to a concern shared by many student vocalists, how to prevent physical MPA symptoms from impairing performance, by encouraging them to reduce experientially avoidant behaviors and re-direct attention onto achieving valued performance outcomes
Summary
MPA Prevalence among Instrumentalists and VocalistsMusic performance anxiety (MPA) is a potentially debilitating condition affecting professional and student musicians alike. Prevalence estimates for professionals and students are comparable, with ∼15–25% of professional orchestral musicians (Fishbein et al, 1988; van Kemenade et al, 1995; James, 1997) and 21–23% of university students (Wesner et al, 1990; Schroeder and Liebelt, 1999) reporting severe symptoms of MPA. Given their younger age, university music students. Learning to sing without being impaired by physical MPA symptoms is increasingly important
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