Effects of intranasal oxytocin on the self-perception and anxiety of singers during a simulated public singing performance: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Professional musicians experience intense social exposure and high levels of preoccupation with their performance and potential negative reactions from the audience, which favor anxiety. Considering that oxytocin (OXT) has a potential therapeutic effect on anxiety, cognitive processes, and decreased psychosocial stress, this study’s objective was to assess the effects of a single dose of 24 UI of intranasal OXT among professional singers, during a public singing simulation test, on self-rated performance and mood. This crossover, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial addressed 54 male singers with different levels of musical performance anxiety (42% high). The participants took part in different phases of a simulated public singing performance and completed instruments rating their performances (Self Statements During Public Performance- State version) and mood (Visual Analogue Mood Scale). Data were analyzed using ANOVA 2 × 2 for crossover trials. The results show that the use of OXT during the performance and immediate post-stress favored more positive (effect size: d > 1.04) and less negative assessments of musical performance (effect size: d > 1.86) than when placebo was used. No treatment effects were found in any VAMS subscales, indicating no direct anxiolytic effects. The conclusion is that OXT can minimizes social stress, especially during performances. This finding is exploratory and, if confirmed in future studies, may have relevance for musicians, especially those who constantly experience and recognize the impact of negative and catastrophic thoughts on performance and professional activities.Clinical Trial Registration[https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5r5sc5], identifier [RBR-5r5sc5].

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“…Oxytocin can reduce social stress, and performance anxiety in musicians, further reducing negative or even catastrophic thoughts on professional activities. In a related study, oxytocin improved selfperception and helped to manage negative thoughts associated with music performance anxiety (Osório et al, 2022). This is in line with the finding that athletes who perceive high social support, such as from coaches, teammates, or fans, might have higher oxytocin levels, facilitating a challenge state and enabling them to utilize favorable conditions effectively, thereby maximizing their performance potential (Meijen et al, 2020).…”

“…Singing together as a social activity may be able to enhance oxytocin and therefore decrease anxiety (Heinskou and Liebst, 2016;Kang et al, 2018;Pfordresher, 2021). The introduction of oxytocin can help singers enhance performance and decrease anxiety (Osório et al, 2022). The social context belonging to the auditory input can lead to an increase in oxytocin through the mirror-neuron system and rhythmic entertainment when experienced by a group, as these systems are connected to our neurophysiology on an evolutionary basis.…”

Systematic review: pain, cognition, and cardioprotection—unpacking oxytocin’s contributions in a sport context

“…Singing together as a social activity may be able to enhance oxytocin and therefore decrease anxiety ( Heinskou and Liebst, 2016 ; Kang et al, 2018 ; Pfordresher, 2021 ). The introduction of oxytocin can help singers enhance performance and decrease anxiety ( Osório et al, 2022 ). The social context belonging to the auditory input can lead to an increase in oxytocin through the mirror-neuron system and rhythmic entertainment when experienced by a group, as these systems are connected to our neurophysiology on an evolutionary basis.…”

“…Oxytocin can reduce social stress, and performance anxiety in musicians, further reducing negative or even catastrophic thoughts on professional activities. In a related study, oxytocin improved self-perception and helped to manage negative thoughts associated with music performance anxiety ( Osório et al, 2022 ). This is in line with the finding that athletes who perceive high social support, such as from coaches, teammates, or fans, might have higher oxytocin levels, facilitating a challenge state and enabling them to utilize favorable conditions effectively, thereby maximizing their performance potential ( Meijen et al, 2020 ).…”

Treatments and regulatory mechanisms of acoustic stimuli on mood disorders and neurological diseases

“…Moreover, music can significantly increases the levels of oxytocin in the body while significantly reducing cortisol levels (Ooishi et al, 2017;Bowling et al, 2022;Xie et al, 2022). These results indicate that music exerts a significant effect on mental health by balancing levels of oxytocin and cortisol, and by enhancing dopamine levels (Ooishi et al, 2017;Sabino et al, 2020;Bowling et al, 2022;Osorio et al, 2022;Xie et al, 2022). The future research is required to explore mechanisms of music actions by examining changes in the levels of all these different neurotransmitters and their intrinsic relationships.…”