Factor Structure and Validation of the Chinese Version of the Mazzarolo Music Performance Anxiety Scale (M-MPAS-Cn)

HRMARS - Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is a common experience among student musicians; however, there are limited validated brief screening tools for Chinese populations. This study followed established guidelines to translate, back-translate, and examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Mazzarolo Music Performance Anxiety Scale (M-MPAS-Cn). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA; n = 217) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA; n = 323) were conducted using data collected from undergraduate music students from two distinct samples. EFA showed a preference for a single-factor model, which accounted for 68.43% of the variance. Good model fit across different indices was confirmed by CFA. Standardized loadings are all > .60, and both composite reliability (CR = .878) and average variance extracted (AVE = .599) met recommended thresholds. These results indicate that the M-MPAS-Cn has high reliability, validity, and a consistent unidimensional structure and is a reliable candidate for the short and effective screening of Chinese music learners for MPA. This study further highlights the practical significance of providing a rapid and culturally appropriate screening tool, which can support early identification of music performance anxiety among Chinese-speaking music students and inform timely educational and psychological interventions in both academic and clinical contexts.