Psychometric validation and factorial structure of the Chinese version of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI)

This study represents the validation of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI) for Mandarin-speaking musicians in Mainland China, examining its factor structure in two distinct populations: pre-college students ( n  = 287) and professional musicians ( n  = 453). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed consistent three-factor solutions in both groups, aligning closely with Kenny’s theoretical framework of music performance anxiety (MPA). Specifically, pre-college musicians demonstrated factors labeled “MPA symptoms,” “psychological vulnerability,” and “negative affect/depression,” while professional musicians revealed factors named “MPA symptoms,” “psychological vulnerability/negative affect,” and “control-trust.” Measurement invariance analysis confirmed strong psychometric comparability between the two samples, validating cross-group comparisons. Notably, while core anxiety and vulnerability constructs aligned closely with international validations, culturally specific divergences emerged, such as the distinct splitting of psychological vulnerability in pre-college musicians and the unexpected emergence of a “control-trust” factor among professionals. These unique aspects highlight potential cultural nuances in how anxiety and vulnerability are conceptualized among Chinese musicians. This study affirms the K-MPAI’s suitability as a robust measure of MPA in China, contributing foundational insights for culturally sensitive assessment and intervention.