Psychological Well-being in Elite Performance: Exploring Female Broadway Singers' Experiences Through Self-Determination Theory

Article

Forbes, Melissa, McAllen, Regina and Hughes, Diane. 2026. "Psychological Well-being in Elite Performance: Exploring Female Broadway Singers' Experiences Through Self-Determination Theory." Music and Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043261417094
Article Title

Psychological Well-being in Elite Performance: Exploring Female Broadway Singers' Experiences Through Self-Determination Theory

ERA Journal ID213726
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsForbes, Melissa, McAllen, Regina and Hughes, Diane
Journal TitleMusic and Science
Number of Pages12
Year2026
PublisherSAGE Publications Ltd
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN2059-2043
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043261417094
Web Address (URL)https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20592043261417094
Abstract

The technical mastery, sophisticated artistry, and reflective awareness of elite singers position them as valuable contributors to music performance science research. This exploratory study examined the lived experiences of seven female Broadway performers, seeking to understand how they navigate the artistic, psychological, and professional demands of contemporary musical theatre. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, interview data generated four themes: Instinct, Intention, and Endurance in Performance; Linking Artistry to Empathy and Emotional Healing; Confidence, Loss, and Persistence; and Everyone’s Replaceable: The Normalization of Silence, Power Imbalance, and Trauma. Viewed through the lens of Self-Determination Theory, the analysis highlights how performers’ accounts illuminate connections between autonomy, competence, and relatedness and their ongoing motivation and resilience. These findings offer insight into the psychological and artistic realities of elite female Broadway performers. They underscore the importance of professional environments that support performers’ basic psychological needs, not only to sustain personal well-being but also to enhance the durability and quality of artistic output in a demanding industry.

Keywordselite performers; motivation; singing; contemporary musical theatre; psychological needs
Article Publishing Charge (APC) Amount Paid950.0
Article Publishing Charge (APC) FundingResearcher
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020360304. Music performance
529999. Other psychology not elsewhere classified
Byline AffiliationsCentre for Heritage and Culture
Macquarie University
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