Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is a prevalent phenomenon in adolescent musicians with a negative impact on performance quality, psychological well-being and artistic career. This pilot study aimed to develop and evaluate the impact of a cognitive-behavioural group intervention programme focused on reducing MPA in young musicians. The programme was applied to nine adolescents, aged between 12 and 16, over ten weekly sessions, with a focus on psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, self-regulation of learning, breathing/relaxation strategies, and gradual exposure. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the MPAI-A, the STAIC C-2, the EAADM, the YSR/11-18 and a procedural assessment grid were administered. The results revealed a marginally significant decrease in trait anxiety and a marginally significant increase in self-efficacy beliefs in musical performance. Additionally, the levels of involvement, enjoyment and perceived impact on anxiety management were progressively higher. The favourable evolution of these indicators suggests the suitability of the programme and indicates the perceived effectiveness of the strategies used. These results reinforce the relevance of this cognitive-behavioural approach as an intervention strategy in artistic and educational contexts, highlighting its potential as a resource for the emotional development and well-being of musicians.
| Date of Award | 14 Jul 2025 |
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| Original language | Portuguese |
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| Awarding Institution | - Universidade Católica Portuguesa
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| Sponsors | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia |
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| Supervisor | Pedro Dias (Supervisor) & Lurdes Veríssimo (Co-Supervisor) |
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- Music performance anxiety
- Adolescents
- Cognitive-behavioural intervention
- Pilot study
Impacto de um programa de intervenção cognitivo-comportamental na ansiedade na performance musical em adolescentes: um estudo piloto
Silva, C. D. S. (Student). 14 Jul 2025
Student thesis: Master's Thesis