Mapping the Influence of Performing Arts Participation on Adolescent School Experience and Development: A Retrospective Qualitative Study

Adolescence is a crucial period for physical, social, and cognitive maturation, marked by identity exploration, risk-taking, and autonomy-seeking behaviours. Moreover, school experience is a fundamental aspect of early and middle adolescence, considering the significant amount of time they spend in schools. This qualitative study explores how performing arts participation between ages 11 and 16 influenced individuals' school experiences and personal development. Using semi-structured interviews and mind maps, seven participants reflected on their experiences, which were analysed through Reflective Thematic Analysis. The study found that performing arts participation positively impacted participants’ school experiences by fostering attitudes and aptitudes beneficial for school. More significantly, it influenced their overall development and well-being. Through immersion, embeddedness, socialisation, and reflectiveness, participants experienced benefits for their development and wellbeing, particularly in identity exploration. Performing arts provided them with an "extra dimension" distinct from their student role, enhancing confidence and self-esteem. The findings of this study contribute to related quantitative and qualitative studies that indicate that performing arts participation has benefits on adolescent development that goes beyond simply improving their academic capabilities. These benefits are transcendental to adolescents’ identity exploration and self-definition processes, which are a fundamental aspect of this life stage.