O impacto do neurofeedback na perceção subjetiva da ansiedade de performance musical e no bem-estar emocional

Abstract

Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is a prevalent issue among musicians, impacting their emotional well-being and performance quality. This study investigates the effects of Neurofeedback (NFDK) using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) on musicians' emotional well-being and perception of MPA. Additionally, it examines how musical background, instrument type, and years of practice influence anxiety control and subjective perception of MPA. The sample comprised 14 musicians, undergoing one session of Neurofeedback training. Data collection involved the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI), Anxiety Control Questionnaire Revised (ACQ-R) and other self-report measures. As expected, the results didn’t indicate a significant reduction in MPA and improvement in emotional well-being in this sample. Musicians with extensive practice and a background in classical music showed no differences in the anxiety control or MPA levels before and after the experiment, compared to the other individuals, with less experience and practice. Also, the instrument type didn’t influence anxiety levels or the outcome of the treatment. Having in mind that this was a pilot study is important to interpret the results of this study. Since the sample only had one session of Neurofeedback, these results were expected. Still, these findings underscore the potential of Neurofeedback as an effective intervention for MPA and the importance of conducting future studies, with a greater sample size, in order to analyse more in depth the impact that the individual differences have in the outcome of this treatment. This study contributes to the understanding of MPA and its management. Future research should explore long-term effects of Neurofeedback and its application across diverse musical contexts.

Date of Award	17 Oct 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Patrícia Oliveira-Silva (Supervisor)