How guilt/shame proneness and coping styles are related to music performance anxiety and stress symptoms by gender

Abstract

In the present study, the predictive values of gender, coping strategies, and guilt/shame orientation were examined in relation to music performance anxiety (MPA) and stress symptoms among university-level Turkish music students. The sample consisted of 399 participants (244 females and 155 males) who were being trained in various instruments. Independent t-test analyses revealed that females had higher scores than males on MPA, stress, helpless and submissive coping strategies, guilt, and shame orientation. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that gender, solo concert experience, helpless and self-confident coping, and shame orientation significantly predicted MPA scores. A similar analysis revealed that gender, helpless and socially supported coping, and shame significantly predicted stress scores. Since gender was a significant predictor in the preliminary regression analyses, gender-based regression analyses were performed. These analyses indicated that, for females, solo concert experience, helpless approach, and shame predicted MPA; and helpless approach and shame orientation predicted stress scores. On the other hand, for males, solo concert experience and the helpless approach appeared as the significant predictors of MPA; and only helpless approach predicted stress scores. Findings are discussed in the light of current literature and cultural characteristics.