In our September newsletter, we reported that Mr Thomas Erlank delivered a poster presentation on his doctoral research at the 58th NATS Conference. We asked him to tell us a little bit more about his research.
Why are you doing this research?
The title of my research is “Exploring purposefully selected emotion regulation strategies to mitigate performance anxiety.” This topic emerged from my personal experiences with performance anxiety during my tenure at a European opera theatre.
Performance anxiety remains a critical and relevant issue within the performing arts, supported by ample literature; however, there is a notable scarcity of research specifically addressing the experiences of professional opera singers in the European theatre context. This gap is significant, as the unique demands and cultural nuances of opera performance can influence both the prevalence and manifestation of anxiety.
This study aims to investigate how targeted emotion regulation strategies — carefully chosen based on existing psychological theories and empirical findings — can effectively reduce performance anxiety among opera singers. By focusing on this specific population, the research aspires to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between emotional regulation and performance outcomes in high-stakes environments. Through this investigation, I hope to bridge the existing gap in literature and provide practical insights that can enhance the well-being and performance of opera professionals.
How are you doing this research?
This research is conducted using a Technical Action Research (TAR) approach. TAR is characterized by its systematic and iterative nature, encompassing a cycle of four key stages: Planning (Preparation), Observation, Action, and Reflection.
TAR is guided by a fundamental interest in enhancing the control over outcomes in practice, emphasizing that the practice itself is a dynamic process capable of continual improvement. By employing this method, the research not only aims to mitigate performance anxiety among opera singers, but also contributes to a broader understanding of how emotional regulation can be effectively integrated into the performing arts. Ultimately, the goal is to create practical tools and strategies that empower singers to navigate their emotional challenges, thereby enhancing both their performance and overall well-being.
We will report on the findings of this research in a future newsletter and on this blog once the study has been completed.
