Understanding mental health issues for people working in the music industry: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Mental health and wellbeing is a worldwide issue impacting many different people irrespective of gender, nationality age or any other factor. Research has documented notable mental health inequalities between musicians and the general public, as well as impacts of music on mental health of the general population. Despite the knowledge that that currently exists, many musicians and those working in the music industry report higher levels of mental ill-health, depression and anxiety. Links between working in the music industry and alcohol and drug consumption has been found, as has substance use and suicide. This may make those working in the music industry more likely to self-harm and put them at an even higher rate of risk for poor mental health than the general public. This scoping review seeks to gain an overview of the available studies and literature on mental health issue for people working in the music industry. 

Methods: The present study undertakes a scoping review of the research and literature surrounding the topic of mental health and wellbeing of those employed and working in the music industry. Five online databases were searched for studies that were published from 2014-2024. To help gain a rich amount of data, a search was performed on three online platforms for grey literature. An evaluation of the titles and abstracts of each study was performed initially, which was then followed by a full and thorough screening of each full text. 

 Results: Nine of the 14 studies that were found during the first search were included in the scoping review; these studies were primarily quantitative primary research studies. Four main themes emerged from the study: discrimination, income, job security, and substance use and abuse.  

Conclusion: Of the four themes that emerged when analysing the evidence base, income and substance use and abuse were the two most recurring themes in all pieces of evidence. However, discrimination and job security were also shown to be major contributing factors to the mental wellbeing of those working in the music industry. Addressing the factors that are negatively impacting the mental wellbeing of those in the music industry is paramount to reduce the poor mental health of the population group and increase happiness and positive mental wellbeing. Recommendations for improving mental health outcomes include education for those going into the industry, teaching mindfulness skills and equipping therapists with correct knowledge to understand the struggles of those in the industry and provide adequate mental health care.