Intrinsic and Extrinsic Risk Factors for Mental Health Difficulties in Dancers: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Dancers are a vulnerable population for a range of mental health difficulties, including eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. In order to understand the mental health landscape in this population, we conducted a systematic review of the risk factors for mental health difficulties in pre-professional and professional dancers. Methods: The search was conducted using PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, and Medline databases. Peer-reviewed studies that examine possible risk factors for mental health difficulties were included in this systematic review. Studies were included if they analysed mental health as an outcome (either symptoms or diagnoses), studied a dancer-only sample, and were published in English. There were no restrictions on dance style, although studies with samples of recreational dancers were excluded. Quality appraisal was completed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklists. Results: Full texts of 180 studies were screened, resulting in 37 papers for the final sample. A range of risk factors for mental health difficulties were identified. Risk factors were categorised as either intrinsic, characters that exist within an individual, or extrinsic, those that exist in the broader environment or cultures. Perfectionism, self-esteem, and body-dissatisfaction were amongst the most consistent intrinsic risk factors identified. Findings about other intrinsic risk factors, including age and gender, were inconsistent. Although less frequently examined, extrinsic risk factors were also identified, including teacher behaviour and experiences of trauma. Conclusion: Certain factors within dancers as individuals and within dance environments may make dancers vulnerable to mental health difficulties. The results of this systematic review highlight a range of risk factors for mental health in dancers that may be targeted in psychological intervention.