ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is a common and complex challenge faced by musicians while performing. Self-Compassion refers to how individuals perceive themselves when facing setbacks or difficulties. Given the increasing emphasis on students’ psychological well-being and performance quality in higher music education, understanding factors that can effectively reduce MPA has become essential for both educators and learners. This study aimed to explore the relationship between Self-Compassion and Music Performance Anxiety among undergraduate music students. Data were collected using the Chinese versions of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory-Revised (K-MPAI-R) Scale. The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between Self-Compassion and Music Performance Anxiety. In addition, the three negative dimensions of Self-Compassion—Self-Judgment, Over-Identification, and Isolation—were significantly positively correlated with Music Performance Anxiety, with Over-Identification being the strongest. The study identified Self-Kindness and Over-Identification as predictors of Music Performance Anxiety, indicating that these components might help reduce it, although further research is needed. The study also found no significant gender difference in Music Performance Anxiety among undergraduate music students aged 18 to 23. These findings highlight the practical value of integrating self-compassion-based strategies into music education to support students’ emotional regulation and performance outcomes. Future research on Music Performance Anxiety should delve deeper into specific musician subgroups.
Alsamman, S., Dajani, R., & Al-Delaimy, W. K. (2024). Self-compassion and association with distress, depression, and anxiety among displaced Syrians: A population-based study. PLOS ONE, 19(9), e0309051. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309051
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. American Psychiatric Association. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Barros, S., França, A., Marinho, H., & Pereira, A. (2024). Music performance anxiety: development and validation of the Portuguese music performance anxiety scale. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1436216
Barros, S., Marinho, H., Borges, N., & Pereira, A. (2022). Characteristics of music performance anxiety among undergraduate music students: A systematic review. Psychology of Music, 50(6), 2021–2043. https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356211066967
Barros, S., Marinho, H., & Pereira, A. (2024). Music performance anxiety in Portuguese higher education: Contextual factors, perceptions, and strategies. Musicae Scientiae, 28(2), 287–307. https://doi.org/10.1177/10298649231202977
Blackie, R. A., & Kocovski, N. L. (2018). Forgive and Let Go: Effect of Self-Compassion on Post-Event Processing in Social Anxiety. Mindfulness, 9(2), 654–663. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0808-9
Boileau, K., Stanson, N., Fang, Z., Barbeau, K., Hansen, U., Comeau, G., & Smith, A. (2024). Examining how brief mindfulness training influences communication within the brain of musicians with music performance anxiety: A resting state fMRI study. Psychology of Music. https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356241288551
Burin, A. B., & Osório, F. L. (2017). Music performance anxiety: a critical review of etiological aspects, perceived causes, coping strategies and treatment. Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo), 44(5), 127–133. https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-60830000000136
Ceccarelli, L. A., Giuliano, R. J., Glazebrook, C. M., & Strachan, S. M. (2019). Self-Compassion and Psycho-Physiological Recovery From Recalled Sport Failure. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01564
Chen, J., Yan, L., & Zhou, L. (2011). Reliability and validity of Chinese version of Self-compassion Scale. Chinese Journal Of Clinical Psychology, 19(6), 734–736. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-05439-005
Cowand, A., Amarsaikhan, U., Ricks, R. F., Cash, E. D., & Sephton, S. E. (2024). Self-Compassion is Associated with Improved Well-Being and Healthier Cortisol Profiles in Undergraduate Students. Mindfulness, 15(7), 1831–1845. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02383-w
Dobos, B., Piko, B. F., & Kenny, D. T. (2019). Music performance anxiety and its relationship with social phobia and dimensions of perfectionism. Research Studies in Music Education, 41(3), 310–326. https://doi.org/10.1177/1321103X18804295
Dreisoerner, A., Junker, N. M., & van Dick, R. (2021). The Relationship Among the Components of Self-compassion: A Pilot Study Using a Compassionate Writing Intervention to Enhance Self-kindness, Common Humanity, and Mindfulness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 22(1), 21–47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-019-00217-4
Farley, A., & Kelley, J. (2023). Music performance anxiety and self-compassion in college-level music majors. Psychology of Music, 51(4), 1275–1287. https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356221138129
Ferrari, M., Hunt, C., Harrysunker, A., Abbott, M. J., Beath, A. P., & Einstein, D. A. (2019). Self-Compassion Interventions and Psychosocial Outcomes: a Meta-Analysis of RCTs. Mindfulness, 10(8), 1455–1473. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01134-6
Gilbert, P., & Choden. (2013). Mindful Compassion. London: Constable and Robinson.
Gómez-López, B., & Sánchez-Cabrero, R. (2024). Design and Evaluation of a Collective Preventive Program for Musical Performance Anxiety (ConfiDance). European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 14(5), 1260–1278. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14050083
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate Data Analysis (7th ed). Pearson Education.
Hamann, D. L., & Sobaje, M. (1983). Anxiety and the college musician: A study of performance conditions and subject variables. Psychology of Music, 11(1), 37–50. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735683111005
Hatfield, J. L. (2016). Performing at the Top of One’s Musical Game. Frontiers in Psychology, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01356
Hoge, E. A., Hölzel, B. K., Marques, L., Metcalf, C. A., Brach, N., Lazar, S. W., & Simon, N. M. (2013). Mindfulness and Self-Compassion in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Examining Predictors of Disability. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/576258
Huawei, Z., & Jenatabadi, H. S. (2024). Effects of social support on music performance anxiety among university music students: chain mediation of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1389681
Isanejad, A. A., Saffarian Toosi, M. R., & Nejat, H. (2023). Comparing the effectiveness of self-compassion training and quality of life training on conditional self-worth, meaning of life, and emotional impulsivity among adolescents with coronavirus grief in Mashhad city. Journal of Adolescent and Youth Psychological Studies, 4(9), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jayps.4.9.10
Jiang, X., & Tong, Y. (2024). Psychological capital and music performance anxiety: the mediating role of self-esteem and flow experience. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1461235
Jo?nsdo?ttir, I. (2010). Music performance anxiety among musicians and methods they use to deal with it. In [Unpublished BSc thesis]. University of Iceland.
Kelley, J., & Farley, A. (2019). Self-Compassion Levels in Music and Non-Music Students. Contributions to Music Education, 44, 167–184. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26724265
Kemp, A. E. (1996). The Musical TemperamentPsychology and Personality of Musicians. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198523628.001.0001
Kenny, D. T. (2011). The psychology of music performance anxiety. Oxford University Press.
Kenny, D. T. (2023). The Kenny music performance anxiety inventory (K-MPAI): Scale construction, cross-cultural validation, theoretical underpinnings, and diagnostic and therapeutic utility. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1143359
Kenny, D. T. (2009). The factor structure of the revised Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory. Paper Presented at the International Symposium on Performance Science, 37–41.
Kenny, D. T., & Ackermann, B. (2007). Anxiety in public performance, stress and health issues for musicians. Oxford University Press.
Kenny, D. T., Driscoll, T., & Ackermann, B. (2014). Psychological well-being in professional orchestral musicians in Australia: A descriptive population study. Psychology of Music, 42(2), 210–232. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735612463950
Lee, E. E., Govind, T., Ramsey, M., Wu, T. C., Daly, R., Liu, J., Tu, X. M., Paulus, M. P., Thomas, M. L., & Jeste, D. V. (2021). Compassion toward others and self-compassion predict mental and physical well-being: a 5-year longitudinal study of 1090 community-dwelling adults across the lifespan. Translational Psychiatry, 11(1), 397. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-021-01491-8
Lehmann, A. C., Sloboda, J. A., & Woody, R. H. (2007). Psychology for Musicians. Oxford University PressNew York. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195146103.001.0001
Lin, M. C. (2019). An investigation of music performance anxiety in taiwanese pianists, vocalists, string and wind instrumentalists at the college level (Issue August). University of North Dakota in.
Mehr, K. E., & Adams, A. C. (2016). Self-Compassion as a Mediator of Maladaptive Perfectionism and Depressive Symptoms in College Students. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 30(2), 132–145. https://doi.org/10.1080/87568225.2016.1140991
Mosewich, A. D., Crocker, P. R. E., Kowalski, K. C., & DeLongis, A. (2013). Applying Self-Compassion in Sport: An Intervention With Women Athletes. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 35(5), 514–524. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.35.5.514
Murn, L. T., & Steele, M. R. (2020). What matters most? Age and gender differences in self-compassion and body attitudes among college students. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 33(4), 541–560. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070.2019.1605334
Neff, K. (2003). The Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Self-Compassion. Self and Identity, 2(3), 223–250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309027
Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-Compassion: An Alternative Conceptualization of a Healthy Attitude Toward Oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032
Neff, K., & Germer, C. (2017). Self-Compassion and Psychological Well-being (E. M. Seppälä, E. Simon-Thomas, S. L. Brown, M. C. Worline, C. D. Cameron, & J. R. Doty (eds.); Vol. 1). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190464684.013.27
Neff, Kristin D. (2003). Self-Compassion: An Alternative Conceptualization of a Healthy Attitude Toward Oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032
Neff, Kristin D. (2023). Self-Compassion: Theory, Method, Research, and Intervention. Annual Review of Psychology, 74(1), 193–218. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031047
Neff, Kristin D., Kirkpatrick, K. L., & Rude, S. S. (2007). Self-compassion and adaptive psychological functioning. Journal of Research in Personality, 41(1), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2006.03.004
Neff, Kristin D., Long, P., Knox, M. C., Davidson, O., Kuchar, A., Costigan, A., Williamson, Z., Rohleder, N., Tóth-Király, I., & Breines, J. G. (2018). The forest and the trees: Examining the association of self-compassion and its positive and negative components with psychological functioning. Self and Identity, 17(6), 627–645. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2018.1436587
Neff, Kristin D., Tóth-Király, I., Knox, M. C., Kuchar, A., & Davidson, O. (2021). The Development and Validation of the State Self-Compassion Scale (Long- and Short Form). Mindfulness, 12(1), 121–140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01505-4
Neff, Kristin D., & Vonk, R. (2009). Self?Compassion Versus Global Self?Esteem: Two Different Ways of Relating to Oneself. Journal of Personality, 77(1), 23–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2008.00537.x
Neff, Kristin D., Whittaker, T. A., & Karl, A. (2017). Examining the Factor Structure of the Self-Compassion Scale in Four Distinct Populations: Is the Use of a Total Scale Score Justified? Journal of Personality Assessment, 99(6), 596–607. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2016.1269334
Neff, Kristin D, Hsieh, Y.-P., & Dejitterat, K. (2005). Self-compassion, Achievement Goals, and Coping with Academic Failure. Self and Identity, 4(3), 263–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/13576500444000317
Orejudo, S., Zarza-Alzugaray, F. J., Casanova, O., Rodríguez-Ledo, C., & Mazas, B. (2017). The relation of music performance anxiety (MPA) to optimism, self-efficacy, and sensitivity to reward and punishment: Testing Barlow’s theory of personal vulnerability on a sample of Spanish music students. Psychology of Music, 45(4), 570–583. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735616674791
Otacioglu, S. G. (2016). Analyzing musical self-esteem and performance-anxiety levels of students receiving professional music education at different ?nstitutions in Turkey. Educational Research and Reviews, 11(14), 1288–1296. https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2016.2820
Paliaukiene, V., Kazlauskas, E., Eimontas, J., & Skeryte-Kazlauskiene, M. (2018). Music performance anxiety among students of the academy in Lithuania. Music Education Research, 20(3), 390–397. https://doi.org/10.1080/14613808.2018.1445208
Reis, N. A., Kowalski, K. C., Ferguson, L. J., Sabiston, C. M., Sedgwick, W. A., & Crocker, P. R. E. (2015). Self-compassion and women athletes’ responses to emotionally difficult sport situations: An evaluation of a brief induction. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 16(P3), 18–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2014.08.011
Rife, N., Lapidus, L., & Shnek, Z. (2000). Musical Performance Anxiety, Cognitive Flexibility, and Field Independence in Professional Musicians. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 15(4), 161–166.
Robson, K. E., & Kenny, D. T. (2017). Music performance anxiety in ensemble rehearsals and concerts: A comparison of music and non-music major undergraduate musicians. Psychology of Music, 45(6), 868–885. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735617693472
Ryan, C., Andrews, N., & Tsang, J. (2024). Music performance anxiety and perfectionism: A comparison of in-person and virtual contexts. Musicae Scientiae. https://doi.org/10.1177/10298649241297229
Sigurðardóttir, Á. A. (2020). The Role of Self-Compassion in Music Performance Anxiety. https://skemman.is/bitstream/1946/36443/1/BSc_loka.pdf
Smeets, E., Neff, K., Alberts, H., & Peters, M. (2014). Meeting Suffering With Kindness: Effects of a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention for Female College Students. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(9), 794–807. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22076
Steptoe, A. (2001). Negative Emotions In Music Making: The Problem Of Performance Anxiety. In Music And Emotion (pp. 291–308). Oxford University PressNew York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780192631886.003.0013
Steptoe, A., & Fidler, H. (1987). Stage fright in orchestral musicians: A study of cognitive and behavioural strategies in performance anxiety. British Journal of Psychology, 78(2), 241–249. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8295.1987.tb02243.x
Sulun, E., Nalbantoglu, E., & Oztug, E. K. (2017). The effect of exam frequency on academic success of undergraduate music students and comparison of students performance anxiety levels. Quality & Quantity, 52(S1), 737–752. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-017-0653-x
Tavares, L., Xavier, A., Vagos, P., Castilho, P., Cunha, M., & Pinto-Gouveia, J. (2024). Lifespan perspective on self-compassion: Insights from age-groups and gender comparisons. Applied Developmental Science, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2024.2432864
Umuzda?, M. S., Tök, H., & Umuzda?, S. (2019). An Examination of the Performance Anxiety Levels of Undergraduate Music Teaching Students in the Instrument Exams According to Various Variables (Case of Tokat Province). International Journal of Higher Education, 8(4), 221. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v8n4p221
Wiedemann, A, Vogel, D., Voss, C., Hoyer, J., & Wiedemann, A. (2019). Music performance anxiety and its anxiety correlates. PsyArXiv.
Wiedemann, Anna, Vogel, D., Voss, C., & Hoyer, J. (2022). How does music performance anxiety relate to other anxiety disorders? Psychology of Music, 50(1), 204–217. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735620988600
Wilson, G., & Roland, D. (2002). Performance anxiety. The Science and Psychology of Music Performance: Creative Strategies for Teaching and Learning/Oxford University Press.
Yarnell, L. M., Stafford, R. E., Neff, K. D., Reilly, E. D., Knox, M. C., & Mullarkey, M. (2015). Meta-Analysis of Gender Differences in Self-Compassion. Self and Identity, 14(5), 499–520. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2015.1029966
Yondem, Z. D. (2007). PERFORMANCE ANXIETY, DYSFUNCTIONAL ATTITUDES AND GENDER IN UNIVERSITY MUSIC STUDENTS. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 35(10), 1415–1426. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2007.35.10.1415
Liu, Q., Ang, M. F., & Daud, M. N. (2026). The Relationship between Self-Compassion and Music Performance Anxiety among Undergraduate Music Students. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 15(2), 349–364.
Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode