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Intrinsic and Extrinsic Risk Factors for Mental Health Difficulties in Dancers: A Systematic Review
Ellen Parker1, Deborah Mitchison1, Anastasia Hronis1
1University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Summary
Professional dancers face significant mental health challenges. This review identifies intrinsic factors like perfectionism and extrinsic factors such as teacher behavior as key risks for mental health difficulties in dancers.
Area of Science:
- Dance science
- Psychology
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Dancers are susceptible to mental health issues like eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for dancer well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review risk factors for mental health difficulties in pre-professional and professional dancers.
- To identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to mental health challenges in this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of peer-reviewed studies from PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, and Medline.
- Included studies focused on dancers, analyzed mental health outcomes, and excluded recreational dancers.
- Quality appraisal conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklists.
Main Results:
- 37 papers were included, identifying numerous risk factors for mental health difficulties.
- Consistent intrinsic risk factors: perfectionism, self-esteem, body dissatisfaction.
- Extrinsic risk factors identified: teacher behavior, trauma experiences.
Conclusions:
- Individual traits and dance environment factors contribute to dancer vulnerability.
- Identified risk factors can inform targeted psychological interventions for dancers.
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