Occupational Health and Well-Being: Hazards, Treatment Options, and Prevention Strategies for Music Therapists

Healthcare is the fastest growing sector in the U.S. economy, and healthcare workers face a wide range of job-related hazards, including injury, illness, violence, and work-related stress. Data suggest that occupational injury and illness in healthcare workers are among the highest of any industry (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Music therapists, like other healthcare professionals, are exposed to work-related stressors that can adversely impact both their physical and mental health. However, unlike other healthcare professionals, music therapists also face additional risks associated with the musical aspects of their career. Research suggests that up to 93% of professional musicians experience playing-related injuries during their career (Kok, Huisstede, Voorn, Schoones, & Nelissen, 2016) and that professional musicians are at risk for contracting hearing disorders (Schink, Kreutz, Busch, Pigeot, & Ahrens, 2014). The literature also suggests that musicians are at risk for various psychological disorders, including anxiety disorders (trait, performance, social) and depression (Kenny, Driscoll, & Ackermann, 2012).