Musical Sophistication and Anxiety: A Study on University Students

Yusuf Dursun; Turan Sağer

doi:10.5216/mh.v25.82651

Authors

Dr. Yusuf Dursun Ministry of National Education, Istanbul, Türkiye yusufdrsn@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1576-0806
Dr. Turan Sağer Alanya University, Antalya, Türkiye turan.sager@alanyauniversity.edu.tr https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1059-678X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5216/mh.v25.82651

Keywords:

musical sophistication, anxiety, university students, music psychology, Gold-MSI

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between musical sophistication and anxiety levels among university students, considering the high prevalence of anxiety and its adverse effects on student well-being. Using a survey design, data were collected from 229 students at Yıldız Technical University via the Personal Information Form, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (Gold-MSI TR). Findings revealed a notable prevalence of anxiety symptoms: 19.7% reported none, 28.4% mild, 29.7% moderate, and 22.3% severe. Anxiety levels were significantly higher among female students (p < .001) and undergraduates compared to graduate students (p = 0.018), with no significant differences based on age or academic discipline. Regarding musical sophistication, male students scored significantly higher on the Perceptual Abilities and Music Education subscales of the Gold-MSI TR. Importantly, preliminary correlational analyses revealed a statistically significant negative relationship between total BAI scores and General Musical Sophistication (GMS) scores, as well as its subscales: Music Education, Singing Ability, and Perceptual Abilities. These findings indicate a high incidence of anxiety among university students and underscore a negative correlation between anxiety symptoms and musical sophistication, particularly in the areas of musical perception, education, and vocal ability.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Dr. Yusuf Dursun, Ministry of National Education, Istanbul, Türkiye yusufdrsn@gmail.com

Dr. Yusuf DURSUN was born in Kdz. Ereğli in 1989. He graduated from the Music Department of Erdemir Anatolian High School of Fine Arts in 2007. He completed his undergraduate education in Music Education at Abant İzzet Baysal University, followed by a Master’s degree in Music Education at Marmara University. In 2024, he earned his Ph.D. in Music and Performing Arts from Yıldız Technical University. His master’s thesis was titled “The Relationship Between Music Teachers’ Perceptions of Professional Competence and Their Life and Job Satisfaction,” supervised by Lecturer Dr. Özcan Özbek and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekin Çoraklı Kahraman. His doctoral dissertation, supervised by Prof. Dr. Turan Sağer, was entitled “An Investigation of the Perception of Musical Talent and Musical Sophistication in Turkey.” His primary research interests include music education, musical sophistication, stage fright, and interdisciplinary approaches in music pedagogy. Dr. Dursun has published academic articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Turan Sağer, Alanya University, Antalya, Türkiye turan.sager@alanyauniversity.edu.tr

Prof. Dr. Turan Sağer (b. 1972, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye) completed his undergraduate studies in Music Teaching at İnönü University in 1994, earned his Master’s degree from Gazi University in 1998, and his Ph.D. from the same institution in 2002. He began his academic career as a Research Assistant at İnönü University and became Full Professor in 2010. He has taught at İnönü University, Gazi University, and Kırıkkale University, and was a visiting scholar at Tennessee State University (USA) in 2011 with support from the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Prof. Sağer has served as Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design at İnönü University and later at Yıldız Technical University, where he was also Advisor to the Rector. An active researcher, educator, and musician, he has participated in over 20 national and international projects, authored several books and peer-reviewed articles, and performed as a conductor and arranger in numerous concerts in Türkiye and abroad. He currently serves as Rector of Alanya University.