As psychological researchers, we are trained in a culture to be impartial discoverers and reporters of knowledge. Our outputs are focussed on professional reports, refereed articles, conference presentations, policy recommendations, and the possible design of programmes to be delivered.
In this session, we will discuss working with the entertainment industry on a project commissioned to examine issues around mental health, particularly suicide. Findings showed significantly higher rates of suicidality, with depression and anxiety symptomatology many times higher than the general population, sleep was much poorer, and social support and connections were frayed.
A more interesting element of the presentation was the challenges of working with a totally different culture and set of expectations – and outputs. As shown in the research, the place of identity as an entertainer and the centrality of the emotional life, as well as the nature of the outputs, were at odds with our training and experiences.