Sex differences in music performance anxiety: the role of self/other-scrutiny and self-efficacy

Introduction: Sex differences in music performance anxiety (MPA) remain a persistent concern in both research and practice, yet the mediation mechanisms are not fully understood. Thus, this study examined whether self-scrutiny, other-scrutiny, and self-efficacy mediate the relationship between sex and MPA among Chinese choir members. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in June 2025 with 774 active participants (27.1% male; mean age = 46.02, SD = 18.19) recruited from four community-based choirs in China. Standardized measures assessed MPA, self-scrutiny, other-scrutiny, and self-efficacy. Results: Findings indicated that (1) females reported significantly higher MPA than males; (2) Self-scrutiny, other-scrutiny, and self-efficacy significantly mediated the sex-MPA association, with effect sizes of 36.0%, 16.3%, and 2.8%, respectively. (3) Serial mediation via self-scrutiny and self-efficacy was not supported, whereas the indirect pathway through other-scrutiny and self-efficacy was significant, though modest in size (1.0%). Conclusion: These findings highlight that evaluative cognitions, especially self-scrutiny, play a central role in explaining sex disparities in MPA, whereas self-efficacy exerts a limited contribution. In the Chinese choral context, where collective and public performance accentuates external evaluation, other-scrutiny may further erode confidence over time. The study underscores the need for interventions that target maladaptive self- and other-focused cognitions, while simultaneously fostering mastery experiences and supportive feedback to strengthen self-efficacy.