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International Journal of Behavioral Sciences Original Research

The Influence of Self-Efficacy on Anxiety and Perfectionism among Dancers

  1. Ananya Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Noida
  2. Smriti Sethi Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Noida

Abstract

The world of dance, while driven by creativity, often imposes significant psychological demands on performers. This study explored how self-efficacy influences anxiety and perfectionism—both adaptive (excellencism) and maladaptive—among dancers, with a focus on gender differences. A sample of 120 dancers (60 males, 60 females) was assessed using standardized scales. Relationships and predictive effects were assessed using statistical techniques, such as regression, Pearson correlation, and t-tests. Findings revealed no significant gender differences in overall levels of self-efficacy, anxiety, or perfectionism. However, relational patterns differed by gender. Among male dancers, self-efficacy was positively linked to both excellencism and maladaptive perfectionism, and negatively associated with anxiety. In contrast, female dancers showed a positive correlation between self-efficacy and excellencism only, with no significant link to anxiety or maladaptive perfectionism.Regression analysis further confirmed that self-efficacy significantly predicted anxiety (R² = 0.116), excellencism (R² = 0.219), and maladaptive perfectionism (R² = 0.176) in males, whereas for females, it only predicted excellencism (R² = 0.158). These findings suggest that self-efficacy acts as a psychological buffer against anxiety and maladaptive traits in male dancers, while promoting excellence in both genders. Enhancing self-efficacy could therefore support mental well-being and performance sustainability in dance training

Keywords

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