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Research Project

Background 

Professional performing artists are often faced with significant occupational challenges throughout their studies and subsequent careers which can in turn lead to a number of psychological and health issues.  

It is well documented that professional musicians experience a range of mental health issues due to the psychologically demanding nature of their profession (e.g., Pecen, Collins, & MacNamara, 2016; Perkins et al., 2017; Van Fenema & Van Geel, 2014).  

Professional dancers and actors constitute two other groups that are also at risk of developing mental health issues (Grove, Main & Sharp, 2013; Maxwell, Seton, & Szabo, 2015; Laws & Apps, 2005; Robb & Due, 2018; Robb, Due, & Venning, 2016; Schmidt et al., 2015). 

In 2019, the Department of Applied Psychology and the Royal Conservatoire of the Antwerp University College (AP Hogeschool) started a research collaboration. The goal of this research project was to perform a qualitative, in-depth investigation of the various shared mental health challenges that professional musicians, dancers and actors face in their studies and subsequent careers. 

Methodology 

Phase 1: literature study 

Phase 2: exploratory interviews 

  • Exploratory interviews were performed with a small selection of experienced performing artists. 

  • The results were used to construct a semi-structured interview guide, to be used for primary data collection. 

Phase 3: primary data collection (semi-structured interviews with professional musicians, dancers and actors) 

  • Exploratory interviews were performed with a small selection of experienced performing artists. 

  • The results were used to construct a semi-structured interview guide, to be used for primary data collection. 

Phase 4: mixed focus group (further elaboration on main themes from semi-structured interviews) 

  • Exploratory interviews were performed with a small selection of experienced performing artists. 

  • The results were used to construct a semi-structured interview guide, to be used for primary data collection. 

Phase 5: data analysis 

  • Inductive content analysis was used to derive the most prevalent themes from the interview and focus group transcripts 

  • The results were used to inform the development of the multidisciplinary prevention program 

Results (summary)

Challenges

Results showed that common mental health challenges between musicians, dancers and actors could be broadly grouped into three main categories: psychological challenges, environmental challenges and physical challenges. 

Needs for external support 

Participating artists were also asked about their needs and wishes with regards to external support which resulted in the following broad themes: 

Prevention

Participants considered active prevention as key for maintaining their psychological health and well-being within the working field and strongly encouraged initiatives in this regard. 

Education

Receiving basic psycho-education about mental health in conservatories and artistic organizations was deemed desirable by most participants. In addition, participants indicated a wish to be sensitized about the various mental health challenges that are prevalent in the workfield for performing artists 

Specialized psychological support

Participants also indicated a broad need for psychologists and therapists who specialize in working with performing artists and who are in touch with the specific challenges of the performing arts industry 

Safety nets within artistic organizations

Finally, participants also indicated the need for more safety nets within professional artistic organizations with respect to mental health issues, providing a safe and confidential space to express such issues. 

Conclusion 

The current study shows that performing artists are confronted with a plethora of mental health challenges in their studies and careers which may increase their chances of developing mental health issues. Therefore, conservatories and professional organizations within the fields of music, dance and drama should increase their focus on the mental health and well-being of their students and working professionals. One possibility to do so is by actively promoting psychological resilience among performing artists through prevention programs in conservatories and artistic organizations. 

VIEW THE FULL REPORT HERE

References

  • Felix, E., & Furlong, M. (2008). Best practices in bullying prevention. Best practices in school psychology V, 4, 1279-1289. 

  • Kenny, D., Driscoll, T., & Ackermann, B. (2014). Psychological well-being in professional orchestral musicians in Australia: A descriptive population study. Psychology of Music, 42(2), 210–232. 

  • Laws, H. (2005). Fit to dance 2 (2nd ed.). London: Dance UK. Maxwell, I., Seton, M., & Szabo, M. (2015). The Australian actors' wellbeing study: A preliminary report. About Performance, 13, 69-113. 

  • Pecen, E., Collins, D. J., & MacNamara, A. (2018). “It’s your problem. Deal with It.” Performers’ experiences of psychological challenges in music. Frontiers in Psychology, 8 (JAN), 1–17. Perkins, R., Reid, H., Araujo, L.S., Clark, T., and Williamon, A. (2017). Perceived enablers and barriers to optimal health among music students: a qualitative study in the music conservatoire setting. Frontiers in Psychology, 8:968. 

  • Robb, A. E., & Due, C. (2017). Exploring psychological wellbeing in acting training: An Australian interview study. Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 8(3), 297-316. 

  • Robb, A. E., Due, C., & Venning, A. (2018). Exploring Psychological wellbeing in a Sample of Australian Actors. Australian Psychologist, 53, 77–86. Schmidt, L. R. (1994). A psychological look at public health: Contents and methodology. International Review of Health Psychology., 53, 502–517. 

  • Twitchett, E., Angioi, M., Koutedakis Y., Wyon M. (2010). The demands of a working day among female professional ballet dancers. J Dance Med Sci., 14(4), 127-32. 

  • Vaag, J., Bjørngaard, J. H., & Bjerkeset, O. (2016). Symptoms of anxiety and depression among Norwegian musicians compared to the general workforce. Psychology of Music, 44(2), 234–248. 

  • Van Fenema, E. & van Geel, C. (2014). Mental problems of among first-year conservatory students compared with medical students. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 29(2), 113-114 

  • Van Fenema, E., Julsing, J.E., Carlier, I.V., van Noorden, M.S., Giltay, E.J., van Wee, N.J., & Zitman, F.G. (2013, March). Musicians seeking psychiatric help: a preliminary study of psychiatric characteristics. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 28(1), 9-18. Waterman, E. (2013). Is your work making you sick? Retrieved from www. artshub.com/au/newsprint.aspx?listingId=195271 

  • Weyns, T., Preckel, F., & Verschueren, K. (2021). Teachers-in-training perceptions of gifted children’s characteristics and teacher-child interactions: An experimental study.Teaching and Teacher Education, 97, 103215. 

Supplementary Literature