Treatments for performance anxiety in musicians across the lifespan
A systematic review and meta-analysis
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21511637 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Thomas J Nicholl (0009-0008-4841-8023, The University of Sydney), Maree J Abbott (0000-0002-2188-4664, The University of Sydney) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 54 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 617-657 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Psychology of Music (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0305-7356 • E-ISSN: 1741-3087 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/03057356251322655 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 77 |
The availability of effective and timely interventions targeting the core features of debilitating performance anxiety (PA) is necessary to support musicians across the lifespan. The aim of this review was to provide an updated search of the research on treatments for PA in musicians and conduct a meta-analysis for available randomised controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search identified 57 published articles on interventions targeting a reduction in PA symptoms in musicians. Results identified a range of intervention types, with cognitive-behavioural-based therapies most studied. Quality appraisal identified a low–moderate risk of bias, with a lack of detailed information on study design and participant awareness noted as contributors to studies falling in the moderate range. A total of 16 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis, which revealed treatment is more effective than control. Moderators of intervention delivery (individual or group) and age of participants (adolescents, college students, or a mixture of ages) were not significant. Future studies are recommended to be grounded in a theoretical model with the intervention targeting core contributing and maintaining factors, with a focus on greater methodological rigour. Comparing intervention types in future meta-analysis will aid in supporting one treatment above or equal to another
Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences
The Psychology of Music Performance Anxiety
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
A cognitive-behavioral model of anxiety in social phobia
The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials
Cognitive Factors that Maintain Social Anxiety Disorder
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults
Robins-I
The PRISMA Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta-analyses of Health Care Interventions
The PRISMA 2020 statement
Exploring music performance anxiety, self-efficacy, performance quality, and behavioural anxiety within a self-modelling intervention for young musicians
Music performance anxiety can be facilitating or debilitating
The efficacy of cognitive and behavioral interventions upon music performance anxiety
Impact of a Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment Program on Music Performance Anxiety in Secondary School Music Students
Stage fright in a musician
Psychological skills and mindfulness training effects on the psychological wellbeing of undergraduate music students
Reduction of performance anxiety in music students
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |