Saúde mental e sentido da vida em regentes de coros na perspectiva da logoterapia

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the perceptions regarding mental health and the meaning of life among choir conductors in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, from the perspective of logotherapy. In general, these professionals are exposed to various stressors, given that, beyond the specific duties of the role, some choir conductors shoulder multifaceted responsibilities. This qualitative, exploratory study involved seven choir conductors who held academic qualifications, had at least two years of experience in the role, and were actively working in the field of choral conducting at the time of the research. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with each participant and compiled using Laville and Dionne's content analysis method, employing a mixed model and a pairing strategy. Three categories were established: 1) Physical health problems, divided into the subcategories of vocal health issues, upper-limb injuries, gastritis, and insomnia; 2) Mental health problems, subdivided into stress, burnout syndrome, anxiety, and depression; and 3) Meaning of life from the perspective of logotherapy, with subcategories comprising creative values, experiential values, and attitudinal values. The results revealed issues such as vocal health problems, tendinitis, bursitis, gastritis, and insomnia. Regarding mental health, the study identified stress-inducing situations experienced by conductors related to managing choir human resources, competition with colleagues, and productivity demands. The conductors' accounts highlighted an excessive workload caused by the accumulation of roles and a lack of adequate infrastructure for performing their work. Perceptions of both negative and positive anxiety were also identified among the conductors. In the Meaning of Life category, choir conductors reported experiences involving creative values, experiential values, and attitudinal values. As a practical outcome of the research, several products were developed: a booklet sent to the Rio Grande do Sul Choir Federation (FECORS); a shared Spotify playlist containing songs that had positively impacted the lives of the participating conductors; and a WhatsApp group for choir conductors to share relevant information regarding mental health and the meaning of life. The study concludes that there are significant mental health issues associated with the work of choir conductors. A sense of meaning in life serves as a powerful counterpoint in coping with these issues. Further studies targeting professional choir conductors are suggested to allow for a comparison with amateur choir conductors. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]