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Abstract
Performance anxiety affects nearly 2% of the population from all walks of life and can threaten careers, education and personal lives. While it is commonly referred to as stage fright in the world of performing arts, in the world of psychology, performance anxiety is often diagnosed as social phobia. Indeed, performance anxiety has distinct characteristics that distinguish it from this common diagnosis. This doctoral project examines the specificities of performance anxiety and provides a review of various evidence-based therapeutic and alternative approaches for treatment. The ultimate goal of this project is to disseminate knowledge regarding the background, symptoms, and therapeutic approaches of performance anxiety to the mental health community.
Keywords: performance anxiety, stage fright, social phobia
