Performance anxiety in Brazilian musicians: Prevalence and association with psychopathology indicators

Author(s)

Medeiros Barbar, Ana Elisa ^[1] ; de Souza Crippa, Jose Alexandre ^[2] ; Osorio, Flavia de Lima ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Philosophy Sci & Letters Ribeirao Preto, BR-05508 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Neurosci & Behav, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, BR-05508 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Affective Disorders; v. 152, p. 381-386, JAN 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 21

Abstract

Background: Musical performance anxiety (MPA) refers to persistent and distressing apprehension associated with performing to an audience. Our objective was to assess the presence of MPA and other psychopathologies in musicians and find correlations between socio-demographic and clinical variables. Methods: We assessed 230 musicians using self-rated instruments whose results were statistically compared. The logistic regression was used to check for predictors of MPA. Results: 24% of musicians had MPA indicators, 19% had indicators of social anxiety, and 20% of depression. These figures were even higher in the comparison between professional and amateur musicians, where the rates were doubled. In the logistic regression, gender and professional status did not predict MPA, but did predict social anxiety (OD-3.22; p=0.006) and depression (OD-3.87; p=0003). Conclusions: We conclude that there is a high rate of psychiatric indicators among musicians, who have been dealing not only with difficulties inherent to their occupation, but also with under-recognized comorbidities with the potential to affect their personal and professional life in specific, poorly investigated ways. Limitations: It should be noted that our results must be interpreted with caution as we used screening and not diagnostic instruments, and because of the fact that our sample was restricted to the Brazilian context. Also, the role of temperamental features that could have a positive association with the condition of musician and therefore minimize performance anxiety could have been explored in order to provide a deeper understanding of the topic. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/02260-7 - Early emotional traumas, psychiatric disorders and recognition of facial expressions: adaptation of instruments and clinical studies involving the prevalence and association of variables
• Grantee: Flávia de Lima Osório
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants