Brody Hunt

Senior Project Advisor

Christie Scollon

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Keywords

Musician, Mental Health, Subjective wellbeing, Positive psychology, Music industry

Abstract

Mental health is a major problem within the music industry. Professional musicians report higher rates of mental illness (e.g., mood disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, increased suicidality) than the general population. While this is not caused by pursuing music as a career, numerous stressors that musicians experience exacerbate this relationship. Musicians experience great financial insecurity, relational sacrifices, difficulties feeling in control, difficulties being objectified, touring stressors, and pressures to use substances. However, musicians also report positive mental health and flourishing; notably, they report eudaimonic indicators of wellbeing such as feelings of personal growth, and high purpose in life. In order to find a balance between the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing a career in music, 5 suggestions are proposed: supporting the Living Wage for Musicians Act, setting personal limits and boundaries with work, becoming a 'portfolio musician', making the right norms while on tour, and seeking professional help when it's needed.

Department

Psychology

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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