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Performance anxiety in kids is a common issue that causes distress when they are required to perform or be judged, whether it’s during a school presentation, a sports game, or a music recital. This anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms like a racing heart, stomachaches, or emotional struggles such as excessive worry and irritability. Effective treatment for performance anxiety in children can help address these issues, enabling children to manage their anxiety and perform at their best.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek appropriate treatment for performance anxiety in children to help them manage their fears effectively.
Physical Symptoms: Complaints of stomachaches, headaches, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling before or during the performance.
Emotional Signs: Increased irritability, mood swings, or excessive worry about upcoming events.
Avoidance: Reluctance or refusal to participate in activities like sports, music, or school presentations.
Negative Self-Talk: Expressing doubts about their abilities or fearing failure.
Changes in Behaviour: Seeking constant reassurance, being overly clingy, or displaying frustration when preparing for performances.
Over 50% of adult mental illnesses begin in childhood, highlighting the importance of early identification and treatment
Approximately 7% of children aged 4–11 years are diagnosed with anxiety disorders, equating to about 278,000 young Australians
Anxiety disorders are the second most common mental disorder among children
Performance anxiety can lead to symptoms that compromise high performance
Research shows that performance anxiety in children is more common than many realise. It is a type of social anxiety that occurs when kids fear being judged or making mistakes during performances. Around 5–10% of children experience significant performance anxiety, which can begin in preschool and become more noticeable during school-age years, especially around class presentations or exams.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the gold standard when it comes to treatment for performance anxiety in children. CBT helps children reframe negative, unhelpful thoughts, transforming worries like “What if I mess this up?” into more balanced thoughts, such as “It’s okay if I don’t do it perfectly.” CBT also includes gradual exposure, where kids slowly face their fears in manageable steps, from practising in front of a parent to performing for a larger audience.
In addition to CBT, relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness are highly effective in helping children calm themselves when anxiety strikes. Parents also play a crucial role in the treatment process, by supporting their children, encouraging positive behaviour, and modelling calmness and reassurance.
Other treatment strategies may complement or enhance the effectiveness of CBT. For example, performance skills training helps children develop practical strategies for managing nerves, such as how to prepare for public speaking or deal with stage fright. Research also highlights the benefits of mindfulness, as it helps children stay present and focused, reducing the tendency to worry about potential mistakes.
In some cases, medication such as SSRIs might be prescribed, especially for children with more severe anxiety. However, medication is typically considered a last resort and is most effective when paired with therapy.
It’s essential to address performance anxiety in children early. Left untreated, children may start avoiding situations where they feel judged, which can impact their self-esteem and limit their opportunities. However, with the right treatment, children can learn how to manage their anxiety and face challenges with confidence.
*Source: Effect of Child-Centered Play Therapy on Performance Anxiety and Academic Achievement – ResearchGate
Our psychologists are highly qualified, holding Master’s or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We provide treatment for performance anxiety in children using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments like mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).