Creative outlets are often used as a stress management tool to recover from the 9-5, but when people turn their creative hobbies into a job, their pursuits may no longer be a safe haven from the stresses of life.
Dr Jacob Keech from Griffith University's School of Applied Psychology is investigating this trend as very little research has been conducted into how recovery can work for people working in the creative industries.
"In the past, we've seen people pursue hobbies which give us mastery or the ability to create things during non-work time," Dr Keech said.
"But when our creative hobbies then become our livelihood, it makes it increasingly hard to switch off and recover from a day's work.
"My team is actively recruiting for the study and is very interested to hear from people who work in the creative industries and who find it difficult to find alternative outlets for stress management."
The aim of the study is to better understand state of stress and wellbeing in the creative industries and delve into strategies which can be beneficial for stress management.
This can include taking time to detach from our work and relax, having control of our non-work time, and finding sources of meaning in other pursuits.
Bachelor of Psychology Honours student Nicole Manns said: "Prior to studying psychology, I spent 15 years in the film industry, witnessing first-hand the struggles faced by creative individuals pursuing employment in a volatile industry that demands long hours, drawing upon personal experiences to create art."
"In recent years, research has shown those working in the creative industries are at high risk of burnout and psychological distress," Ms Manns said.
"We now need to understand what is driving these high rates, and how we can develop meaningful strategies to improve wellbeing."
Dr Keech's team would like to hear from people who are 18 years and over, and work in the creative industries including paid and unpaid roles, interns, and students.
For more information or to complete the short survey, click here.
