Candidate: Rosemary Hakes

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

Title: Self-criticism as Experienced by Performing Artists:  A Phenomenological Study

Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2001; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 3208 Sangren

Committee:
Dr. John Geisler, Chair
Dr. Robert Betz
Dr. Richard O'Hearn

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to describe and document the essence of the experience of self-criticism for performing artists with the aim of providing recommendations for educational and therapeutic purposes. Moustakas (1994) defines essence as "that which is common or universal, the condition or quality without which a thing would not be what it is" (p.100). This study utilized a phenomenological research paradigm. Each step in the data reduction process built directly toward revelation of essence through synTheses.

The central question that guided this research was: What is the essence of self-criticism as it is experienced by performing artists?  Two related sub-questions were: (1) What possible underlying themes and contexts account for the experience of self-criticism? and (2) What are the possible structural meanings of the experience of self-criticism?

The six participants in this study were professional performing artists: four principal dancers, one choreographer and dancer, and one musician (who was the principal in an orchestra section). All of the participants were British and were under contract with the Royal Opera House and Royal Ballet at Covent Garden in London, England. The research strategy for this study utilized in-depth individual telephone interviews.

The findings, which identified self-criticism as (a) losing confidence, (b) being afraid, (c) a pattern of thinking, and (d) as an unending experience, are the essences common to the participants' experiences of self-criticism. These findings suggest potentially important attitudes and directions to be taken by both clinicians and teachers who work with professional performing artists and performing arts students. The findings are discussed in relation to how they can inform future research.

Related Topics

Main List of Archives:
Dissertation Defenses

Current Dissertation Defenses