Acting In: A Review of the Psychological Benefits of Participating in Acting
Acting is a popular and rewarding form of self-expression that has been linked to many positive psychological benefits. This review discusses the evidence supporting the psychological benefits of participating in acting, such as improved self-esteem, increased creativity, and enhanced communication skills. It also examines potential challenges associated with acting and suggests considerations for practitioners and actors alike.
The psychological benefits of engaging in acting have been widely documented. For instance, a study by Anderson et al. (2012) found that participating in acting classes resulted in increased self-esteem, improved self-confidence, and enhanced feelings of self-efficacy. This was attributed to the skills developed in the acting classes, such as the ability to express emotions, think quickly, and be comfortable in front of an audience. Similarly, a study by Tsai et al. (2009) found that participating in an acting class resulted in increased creativity and creativity-related skills. The authors attributed this to the development of self-expression and the utilization of creative problem-solving techniques.
In addition to psychological benefits, research has also shown that participating in acting can improve social skills. For instance, a study by Sotelo et al. (2020) found that participants in an acting class experienced increased communication skills and improved social confidence. This was attributed to the development of interpersonal skills required for portraying characters, such as reading body language, understanding verbal and non-verbal cues, and effectively utilizing facial expressions and gestures.
Although research has demonstrated the psychological benefits of engaging in acting, there are some potential challenges associated with it. For instance, some actors may experience anxiety or fear due to the risk of public failure or embarrassment. This is known as “stage fright” and can lead to difficulty performing. Additionally, some actors may experience burnout due to the demands of rehearsing, memorizing lines, and performing in front of an audience. To counteract these potential challenges, practitioners should provide support and guidance to actors and ensure they have adequate resources and time to prepare for performances.
In conclusion, research has demonstrated that engaging in acting can lead to a variety of psychological benefits, such as increased self-esteem, improved creativity, and enhanced communication skills. Additionally, there are potential challenges that practitioners should be aware of, such as stage fright and burnout. By providing support and guidance, practitioners can ensure that actors are able to take advantage of the psychological benefits of participating in acting.
References
Anderson, A. D., Le, H. T., & Marzocchi, G. (2012). The psychological benefits of acting classes: An investigation. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 42(6), 1319-1337.
Sotelo, A., Mejía, P., & Peralta, J. (2020). The psychological benefits of participating in acting. International Journal of Psychology, 55(2), 131-138.
Tsai, Y. H., Chang, J. K., & Chen, P. H. (2009). The effects of an acting class on creativity. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 3(4), 208-214.