Examination of mental health characteristics among music industry workers
Abstract
Music industry professionals face numerous psychological challenges in their work. These include the high level of informality in the industry, a stressful work environment, and unpredictable work schedules. In this rapidly changing environment, social capital is the primary tool for success, and maintaining friendly relationships during social interactions is crucial, adding extra pressure to the lives of those working in the music industry. The unique characteristics of this environment negatively impact the health of those involved, and societal norms also contribute to the maintenance of an unfavorable lifestyle. The research focused on those music industry workers who do not earn their income solely from performing but are also involved in other segments of the music industry.
The research involved 272 participants, with 68 being excluded. The average age of the sample was 32.8 years (SD = 9,7, range: 20-65 years). The study group included 123 participants, and the control group had 81 participants. Both groups completed a questionnaire package that included the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (ISU-12), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS-H), the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSS), the WHO Well-being Index (WBI-5), the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Hopelessness Scale.
Regarding the control and experimental groups, a significant difference was found in terms of predictability (U = 3193, p < 0.001, d = 0.3). In terms of resilience, participants in the music industry showed higher values (U = 3828, p = 0.005, d = 0.2). No differences were found in the examination of perceived stress. Correlation analyses showed that the relationship between predictability and life satisfaction is characterized by a strong, positive correlation (rs (122) = 0.3, p < 0.001). A strong, negative correlation was found between predictability and anxiety (rs (122) = -0.3, p < 0.001), as well as predictability and hopelessness (rs (122) = -0.3, p < 0.001). Predictability showed a moderate, positive correlation with subjective living standards (rs (122) = 0.3, p = 0.003), resilience (rs (122) = 0.3, p = 0.004), and WHO well-being (rs (122) = 0.2, p = 0.007). Furthermore, a moderate, negative correlation was recorded regarding predictability.
It would be worth exploring the extent to which predictability influences the psychological constructs we examined. A question arises: if resilience and predictability show a positive correlation, how can the experimental group still demonstrate higher resilience levels despite lower predictability? Investigating this issue would require further studies, in which we could map out the factors influencing the resilience levels of music industry workers. Our research aimed to study the music industry as a whole, but in the future, it would be beneficial to differentiate which professions experience the most unpredictability. This would provide insight into what represents the greatest challenge for professionals within specific fields.
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