A Pilot Study Investigating Student Musicians' Experiences of Guided Imagery as a Technique to Manage Performance Anxiety

Mary Jane Esplen Ellen Hodnett
From: Medical Problems of Performing Artists: Volume 14 Number 3: Page 127 (September 1999)

Abstract: This paper reports results of a study investigating the effects of guided imagery in reducing performance anxiety among student musicians. The study consisted of a one-arm pre-post design involving 21 music students who were given an intervention of guided imagery and descriptive data from 45 students who declined the intervention but provided information about their experiences of performance anxiety. Based on the 21 individuals participating in the intervention, a paired t-test for pre- and post-intervention anxiety scores demonstrated a significant decrease in the post-intervention anxiety levels. No relationship was observed between post-intervention anxiety levels and satisfaction with performance. The guided imagery intervention was demonstrated to be feasible, and preliminary testing of the intervention demonstrated its potential as an important intervention for managing performance anxiety.

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