Cognitive and behavioral therapy for musical-performance anxiety

Author(s): Craig, Kenneth D., Lawson, David M., Davidson, Park O.

Journal/Book: Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 1982; 50: 353-362.

Abstract: Compared the efficiency of cognitive-behavioral therapy, emphasizing self-instruction and attention-focusing techniques, with behavior rehearsal and with a waiting-list control in the treatment of debilitating musical-performance anxiety. Ss were 53 pianists (aged 12-53 yrs old) who experienced extreme anxiety in performing situations. Therapy sessions were conducted over a 3-wk period; Ss met 3 times in small groups for 11/2-2 hrs and also completed homework assignments. Self-report (e.g., Subjective Stress Scale, Expectations of Personal Efficacy Scale for Musicians), behavioral, and physiological indexes of anxiety were collected at baseline, treatment termination, and follow-up intervals. Multivariate analyses indicated that both the cognitive-behavioral therapy and behavior-rehearsal programs were effective in reducing musical-performance anxiety in comparison to the control condition at the follow-up assessment, although there were no differences among groups at treatment termination. Cognitive therapy was more effective than the behavior-rehearsal program on several measures. (40 ref)

Note: cognitive behavioral therapy vs behavior rehearsal; musical performance anxiety; 12 53 yr old pianists

Keyword(s): Cognitive therapy; behavior therapy; anxiety ; performance ; music ; school age children; adolescents

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