Occupational strain and professional artists: A qualitative study of an underemployed group

Abstract

Primary objective: The primary objective of this paper is to describe the occupational hazards and the health impacts that North American artists experience as a result of their profession.

Research design: A qualitative, constructivist grounded theory approach was used to understand the experiences of artists in their work lives and the health impacts of their occupation. In keeping with constructivist grounded theory, various key informants (participants) were sampled, to consider the multiple realities of various viewpoints.

Methods: The study setting was an outpatient occupational health clinic specializing in artists' health. Seven focus groups were conducted with a total of 38 participants. The study participants included health care providers working with artists (n = 19), professional artists (n = 14), and artist advocates (n = 5). The focus group sessions were professionally transcribed and analyzed using an iterative approach.

Findings: Two main findings emerged. First, artists as a group experienced a societal devaluation of their work. This lead to health implications for artists such as intense competition for employment, along with various sequelae (underselling, stigma, injury, unrealistic expectations). Second, artists experienced psychological stress as a result of job demands. Nevertheless, artists and their supporters maintained a strong connection to their artistry and to the belief their work is of value and importance. The literature related to personal, societal, and economic factors that contribute to occupational strain and ill health for artists, and barriers to receiving health care were also considered.

Conclusions: As a consequence of their occupation, artists experience exclusion and a feeling of societal devaluation, which negatively impacts their health and well-being.

We conclude with a focus on how health research can advocate for professional artists – a group who enrich the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual lives of a society.

Keywords:

• professional artists
• health care providers
• occupational strain
• occupational stress
• qualitative research

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the respondents who were interviewed and acknowledge the financial assistance of the Artists' Health Centre Foundation that supported this research.