Resources

Articles on performance anxiety and performance psychology, written for performers, medical professionals and other high-stakes professionals. Visit the Articles page for the full library, organised by topic and audience.

What has Alexandra Frost published on this topic?

Her Master’s research, A Comparison of a Group Cognitive-Behavioural and Self-Managed Mental Training Approach for the Treatment of Musical Performance Anxiety (University of South Australia, 1997), and the peer-reviewed paper The Prediction of Musical Performance Anxiety (Liston, Frost and Mohr, Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 2003).

What books would you recommend on performance anxiety and psychological flexibility?

• The Psychology of Enhancing Human Performance by Frank L. Gardner and Zella E. Moore (Springer, 2008)
• ACT for Musicians: A Guide for Using Acceptance and Commitment Training to Enhance Performance, Overcome Performance Anxiety, and Improve Well-Being by David G. Juncos and Elvire de Paiva e Pona (2022)
• ACT Made Simple by Dr Russ Harris (New Harbinger Publications, 2009)
• The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt by Russ Harris and Steven Hayes (2011)
• The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris and Steven Hayes (2008)

Are there research-backed assessment tools relevant to performance anxiety?

The Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI) is a widely used, research-validated tool for assessing music performance anxiety specifically. Tools like this are typically used within a clinical or coaching relationship rather than as a self-diagnosis, and can be discussed as part of an initial session.