Exploring the well-being of professional female musicians: a self-determination theory perspective.

Background: This study investigated the well-being of 16 professional female musicians through the lens of Self-Determination Theory, focusing on the satisfaction of their psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as well as the unique challenges they encounter in their careers. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results and discussion: Three broad themes and 10 sub-themes emerged from the interviews. The findings demonstrate that the well-being of female musicians is closely tied to the satisfaction of their psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Conversely, when these needs are frustrated, their well-being is negatively impacted. Other themes that emerged from the interviews are intrinsic motivation and the gender specific challenges within the music industry. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for supportive environments to enhance the well-being of female musicians (and performers as a whole), addressing both their psychological needs and the specific gender-related challenges they face.