Social stereotypes and loneliness: Psychological status of music creators from Self-Determination Theory

Abstract

Musical creativity is linked to mental imbalance because artists are seen as social misfits and depressed. Thus, the complexity of the psychological status of music creators is reduced to social stereotypes linked to creative thinking, mental imbalance, stardom, and tragic deaths. This exploratory study aims to review the psychological status of music creators, drawing on evidence from scientific literature. A qualitative design based on the constant comparative method, with a deductive approach, is used. The results show that music creators may feel alone when dealing with systemic barriers, but those who satisfy their need for relatedness establish connections with other musical creators and undertake self-managed initiatives that dignify musical activity and promote creative autonomy. In conclusion, social environments pose so many systemic barriers that a variety of social stereotypes has been constructed around the figure of the music creator.