The Relationship Between Occupational Demands and Well-Being of Performing Artists: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Performing artists are exposed to a range of occupational demands from organisational, interpersonal and intrapersonal sources, which may impact their well-being. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and synthesise the literature where researchers have considered the relationship between occupational demands and well-being in performing artists. Methods: A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted including professional and student performing artists. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods study designs were eligible for inclusion in the review. A total of 14 databases were searched from their inception through to October 2017, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus. Critical appraisal was conducted using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool and results presented as a narrative synthesis. Results: A total of 20 studies were included in the review, comprising of quantitative ( n = 7), qualitative ( n = 9) and mixed-methods ( n = 4) study designs. Several frameworks of occupational stress and well-being were explored in relation to the results. Organisational, social and emotional demands were associated with lower well-being. Conversely, music-making, performance activities and social support were reported to be resources and were related to higher well-being. Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the need for researchers in this field to adopt methodologically robust study designs, which are informed by appropriate theoretical frameworks. The paucity of high quality and theoretically informed research in this area is a hindrance to the development of evidence-based interventions for this population.

The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown 1.0 on Working Patterns, Income, and Wellbeing Among Performing Arts Professionals in the United Kingdom (April–June 2020)

“…The new-found ‘me time’ and ability to prioritize healthier lifestyles is also of note, providing insight into how future professional lives can be optimized. This fits well with the finding by Willis et al (2019) that music-making, performance activities, and social support were identified by performing artists as important for better wellbeing, and finding new ways to enable and support these, while also reinstating job security and income, will be important for the sector moving forward. Further research should focus on a wider demographic and take a longitudinal approach in order to understand how these initial effects change, or not, as the course of the pandemic continues.…”

“…Among the challenges, many – such as canceled work, unexpected loss of income, challenges of working from home, and feelings of loss and grief – were linked to the immediate effects of the pandemic. Others – such as the precariousness of freelance working and mental health problems – were also challenges pre-COVID ( Bartleet et al, 2019 ; Willis et al, 2019 ) and appeared to be exacerbated by the impact of the lockdown. As the pandemic progresses, performing arts professionals continue to face closed venues, canceled work, and the restrictions of social distancing.…”

“…For instance, artists can experience high work demands and low social support ( Holst et al, 2012 ), insecurity and short-lived careers ( Cahalan and O’Sullivan, 2013 ), overworking ( Teague and Smith, 2015 ), and complex relationships and self-criticism ( Robb et al, 2018 ). More generally, occupational demands have been linked with poorer wellbeing among performing artists ( Willis et al, 2019 ).…”

The Experiences of Mid-career and Seasoned Orchestral Musicians in the UK During the First COVID-19 Lockdown

“…In the UK, unlike most European countries, the majority (over 85%) of orchestral musicians are not salaried, but self-employed as members of freelance orchestras, on short-term contracts as extra or deputy players, or on an ad hoc basis (Teague and Smith, 2015; Association of British Orchestras (ABO), 2019; Willis et al, 2019). These freelance musicians build busy portfolio careers comprising a rich and varied combination of performing activities, such as orchestral and chamber music, West End shows, community work, commercial and recording sessions, and also teaching (Bartleet et al, 2019).…”

“…These freelance musicians build busy portfolio careers comprising a rich and varied combination of performing activities, such as orchestral and chamber music, West End shows, community work, commercial and recording sessions, and also teaching (Bartleet et al, 2019). Maintaining a successful portfolio career as a freelance musician requires a broad skill-set, including effective problem-solving skills, good communication, teamwork, adaptability, and small business and entrepreneurial skills, in addition to excellent performing ability (Bennett and Hennekam, 2018;Willis et al, 2019). Although there are studies showing that self-employment is associated with higher job and life satisfaction than fixed employment by one or more organizations (Warr, 2018), studies of freelance classical musicians have found that work and financial insecurity are associated with increased anxiety (Dobson, 2010;Oakland et al, 2012).…”