Prevalence and predictors of music performance anxiety in adolescent learners: Contributions of individual, task-related and environmental factors

Abstract

Currently, no formal music performance anxiety (MPA) prevalence rates exist for children and adolescent musicians. Factors contributing to distinct MPA experiences (maladaptive versus adaptive) are also not clear and there is a lack of research investigating cultural variability in MPA experiences. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MPA and factors affecting MPA levels in adolescent musicians. Comparisons between sexes (boys, girls), age groups (12–15, 16–19 years) and nationalities (Cypriot, British) were conducted to elucidate the association between sex and MPA, explore the developmental trajectory of MPA and investigate cultural variability in its prevalence and manifestation. Profiles of musicians experiencing high, moderate and low MPA were examined to investigate discriminating characteristics. A sample of 410 musicians in Cyprus and the United Kingdom completed the Young Musicians’ Performance Questionnaire, including the Adolescent Musicians’ Performance Anxiety Scale (AMPAS). Overall, 11% of participants experienced high levels of MPA. Anxiety was affected by the cultural context as group differences and different developmental trajectories were observed in the two nationalities. Girls experienced higher MPA levels than boys, although when sex was included in a hierarchical regression with other variables, it was not a significant predictor. Approximately 60% of the variance in MPA was explained by variables that related to individual characteristics affecting susceptibility to anxiety, task-efficacy, and the performance environment. Highly anxious participants were more likely to experience maladaptive MPA. The findings support the development of personalized and culturally responsive interventions addressing individual needs on the basis of distinct musician profiles.