Exploring the structure and functional meaning of pre-performance emotions in young adult musicians

Pre-performance emotions (PPE) are complex and multifaceted, shaped by a dynamic interplay of internal and external stimuli. Most prior research has focused on univalent negative PPE, particularly music performance anxiety (MPA). This study contributes by examining the complexity of PPE states and adopting a mixed-emotion perspective. Its aims were to: (a) identify the categories, sources, and complexity of PPE in solo performance among young adult musicians; (b) explain the functional significance of PPE profiles for performance quality and satisfaction; and (c) compare PPE profiles in relation to situational factors (self-efficacy beliefs about emotion regulation and performance skills) and dispositional factors (emotional awareness and regulation, MPA vulnerability). Before a solo performance, 124 students from the Polish Music Academy used the Emomix electronic form to assess their self-efficacy beliefs and describe their emotions. Following the performance, subjective and objective ratings of performance quality were collected. Dispositional variables were measured using the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale, the Brief-COPE, and the Kenny-MPAI inventories. The findings align with previous research on PPE in adolescents and demonstrate its multifaceted nature. Participants reported an average of eight emotions, with hope, curiosity, and fear being the most frequently mentioned. Content analysis identified 34 sources of PPE. Four emotional clusters were extracted as follows: Epistemic emotions and joy, Curiosity and positive emotions, Fear and hope, Shame and negative emotions. The highest self-efficacy and performance satisfaction scores were observed in the first two clusters. Participants exhibited moderate MPA vulnerability, comparable emotional regulation skills, and moderate-to-high performance quality ratings. Considering these balanced baseline characteristics, differences in performance satisfaction appear to be driven more by situational variables than by the dispositional variables assessed in this study.