Separate and combined effects of cue-controlled relaxation and cognitive restructuring in the treatment of musical performance anxiety

49 music students with reactive and adaptive anxieties were screened out of a pool of volunteers for a musical performance anxiety reduction program. Cue-controlled relaxation (CCR) and cognitive restructuring (CR) were examined separately and in combination in comparison with a standard treatment control condition (musical analysis training) that generated equivalent demand characteristics. The latter was then compared with a waiting-list control group. The CCR and CR treatments were each effective in reducing the state anxiety reflected by pulse rate and self-report measures. The CCR treatment also reduced self-reported trait anxiety and improved musical performing competence; CR was uniquely effective on a behavioral anxiety index. On all but the pulse rate measure, if either CCR or CR treatment had any impact, the combined treatment did likewise. (39 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).