Interventions for music performance anxiety: results from a systematic literature review

Abstract

Background: Music performance anxiety (MPA) is characterised by fears related to performing music. It may result in damages to personal life and professional career, so treatment and prevention are very important. Objective: To undertake a systematic literature review on the effectiveness/efficacy of MPA interventions and to integrate these findings to those in the literature reviewed previously. Methods: We used PubMed, PsycINFO and SciELO databases and keywords music*, performance anxiety, treatment, therapy and intervention and manual research. We selected articles published between October-2002/July-2016. Results: Out of 97 articles, 23 were reviewed. Sixteen studies presented inter-group experimental design, and seven presented pre-post experimental design. The intervention modalities reviewed were cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), virtual reality exposure, biofeedback, yoga, meditation, music therapy and the Alexander technique. Although the interventions presented some indicators of efficacy in the MPA outcomes and improvement in performance quality, important methodological limitations were observed: low number of individuals and non-specific criteria for their inclusion/exclusion. This reinforces previous findings regarding methodological fragilities associated with this context. Discussion: CBT is the most frequently studied modality and with the greatest number of effectiveness indicators. The remaining modalities indicate tendencies in positive outcomes that require further and efficient investigation in more rigorous studies with greater methodological control.

Music performance anxiety: perceived causes, coping strategies and clinical profiles of Brazilian musicians

“…Consequently, the possibilities for management, treatment and prevention of MPA are restricted, contributing to increased difficulties and suffering for affected individuals. 4 Furthermore, as…”

“…1,3 As such, it could be treated with relative efficacy. 4 MPA has negative implications for musicians' careers and quality of life, with extreme situations leading to an early exit from the profession. 2 Although the prevalence of MPA has not been precisely established, a literature review 5 reported significant rates ranging from 15% to 25% worldwide.…”

“…The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical profile, perceived causes and strategies for coping with MPA from the perspective of a sample of Brazilian musicians, as a function of their MPA levels and musical training. 4…”

“…Although infrequent, MPA is associated with increased procurement of psychological care. That psychologists are rarely consulted is regrettable, since their therapeutic resources include cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is one of the intervention modalities for treating MPA for which there is the greatest evidence of effectiveness,according to a literature review 40.…”

Ansiedade de performance musical, reconhecimento de expressões faciais e ocitocina

“…Enquanto indivíduos saudáveis tendem a reconhecer maior número de faces que indicam aprovação, os indivíduos com TASdemonstram uma tendência maior em identificar expressões negativas como uma forma de distorção do processamento de informação (LUNDH et al, 1996;COLES;HEIMBERG, 2005;DEMENESCU et al, 2010 O tratamento farmacológico, por sua vez, também pode ser utilizado. Sendo que o tratamento com beta-bloqueadores, entre eles o propranolol, é o mais utilizado por minimizar os sintomas fisiológicos associados à exposição, mas seu uso é recomendado com cautela, devido ao risco de efeitos desastrosos na performance musical e efeitos adversos como bradicardia, hipotensão, frio nas extremidades, alterações gastroentestinais, distúrbios do sono ou fadiga muscular, bem como os riscos de uso em pessoas asmáticas e cardiopatas (JAMES et al, 1983;BERENS;OSTROSKY et al, 1998;BORIN;OSÓRIO, 2016 SHAPIRO,1993;PREWITT, 1998;CHAVES, 2007;SAVASKAN et al, 2008;YOSHIDA et al, 2009;GUASTELLA et al, 2009;FEBOA;SHIELDSB;KING, 2009;RIMMELE et al, 2009;NEUMAN, 2010;ARRAIS et al, 2010;RING et al,2010;MARSH et al, 2010;FISCHER-SHOFTY et al, 2010;MACEDO, 2012; OCT (SAVASKAN et al, 2008;GUASTELLA et al, 2008b APM= Ansiedade de Performance Musical; d= d de Cohen: tamanho de efeito (intervalo de confiança 95%); DP = desvio-padrão; N= Frequência; p= p valor;X = média; (A) = Anova;*= significância estatística.…”