High School Performing Arts: Does It Hurt Body Image?

The performing arts have long been a channel for individuals to tell their stories and express their emotions. The artists that boldly portray these stories often begin their love of theatre, dance, or music in adolescence. This can be a time that makes or breaks an individual’s relationship with being on stage.

Body Image Positive Outcomes

People detail their experiences with high school performing arts differently. Many teens speak of it fondly as a place that became a safe haven for them to escape from high school drama or problems at home.

Aside from these personal anecdotes, there is also clinical research to indicate that participation in the performing arts has positive outcomes when it comes to peer interactions, self-concept and self-confidence, and behavior related to drug use and sexual health.

Performing arts programs encourage individuals to work together and communicate. In this, teens learn to interact with many of their peers, building positive relationships around mutual passions.

With this in mind, it is not surprising that one study found that engaging students in a drama program resulted in a more supportive climate for peer relations when compared to a group that was exposed to traditional schooling without any drama program [1].

Research also indicates that participation in the performing arts results in better self-concept and increased self-confidence.

The performing arts are often a place where talent is more important than body weight, size, or shape. This is how all areas of our society should be, and it sends a positive message to teens that their ability to succeed is not wrapped up in their appearance.

Teens that participate in the performing arts work hard to hone and perfect their craft. Many refer to feeling invincible, brave, and strong when they are onstage, even if they are timid in everyday life.

Performing on stage can be a wonderful outlet for teens to play different roles and tell stories and, in doing so, build up their self-confidence and learn who they are.

Studies have also found that participation in the performing arts increased teen’s resistance to drug use [1].

All of these aspects can be important protective factors for teens that help them to maintain positive body image and fight eating disorders.

For example, having a positive and healthy self-concept allows teens to maintain confidence in who they are and what makes them worthy outside of external appearances.

Further, positive peer support is shown to be crucial in combatting disorder eating behaviors and fostering self-image.

Negative Outcomes

Despite these positive aspects of high school performing arts, there are some potentially negative outcomes that should be considered.

Those aspects that are positive for some teens can be negative for others.

One study indicates that not all teens flourish when engaging in performing arts [1]. Therefore, the feeling of empowerment that may come with being on stage for some results in self-consciousness or self-defeat in others.

This can be particularly true when it comes to the competitive aspects of the performing arts, as someone must get the lead or the solo, meaning so many others will not.

Additionally, while it is often the case, as discussed above, that talent carries more weight than appearance, it is important to acknowledge that this may not always be the case.

Thankfully, in high school performing arts, talent tends to carry the day. Sadly, as teens grow older and decide to venture into more serious performing opportunities, appearance begins to matter much more.

There are so many aspects that can make a teen’s relationship to the stage positive or negative. Their school, programs, opportunities, peers, and individual goals and preferences all come into play when determining if stage performance is healthy for a teen’s self-image and body-image.

If your teen is showing interest in the performing arts, encourage them to try for all of the positive reasons mentioned above but be aware of what may make them vulnerable.

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About the Author: Margot Rittenhouse is a therapist who is passionate about providing mental health support to all in need and has worked with clients with substance abuse issues, eating disorders, domestic violence victims, and offenders, and severely mentally ill youth.

As a freelance writer for Eating Disorder and Addiction Hope and a mentor with MentorConnect, Margot is a passionate eating disorder advocate, committed to de-stigmatizing these illnesses while showing support for those struggling through mentoring, writing, and volunteering. Margot has a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

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References:

[1] Daykin, N, et al. (2008). The impact of participation in performing arts on adolescent health and behavior. Journal of Health Psychology, 13:2, 251-264.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Published on April 30, 2018.
Reviewed on April 30, 2018 by Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com