"Thinking positively can improve your mood, which then encourages productive actions, creating a positive cycle."

"Our brains evolved to ensure our survival in a very different environment from the one we live in today."

Rachel, an MA Dance Performance and Professional Practices student at the University of Salford, defines key terms crucial to her research on career longevity among freelance dancers. She explains that behaviours are the specific actions and routines of dancers, while attitudes are their mental approaches. Rachel discusses the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model and Paul Gilbert’s Three System Model to highlight the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. She explores wellbeing through Ryff's Model, the Six Dimensions of Wellness, and Engel's Biopsychosocial Model, emphasising physical, mental, emotional, social, environmental, and existential health. Career longevity is defined as sustaining a professional dance career over time, balancing wellbeing and adaptability. Rachel introduces her sub-question on whether compassion can facilitate adaptive behaviours and attitudes, setting the stage for future episodes.

Resources & Links:

CBT Model of Emotions

Three System Model by Paul Gilbert

Ryff's Model of Psychological Wellbeing

Six Dimensions of Wellness

Precision Nutrition’s Deep Health Concept

References:

• Aujla, I., & Farrer, R. (n.d.). Independent dance sector in the UK: Challenges and opportunities. University of Bedfordshire.
• Aujla, I., & Farrer, R. (2016). Independent dancers: Roles, motivations and success.
• Aujla, I., Farrer, R., Jenkins, L., King, N., & Win, S. (2019). The role and impact of freelancers in the UK dance sector. University of Bedfordshire.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles. (n.d.). CBT model of emotions. https://cogbtherapy.com/cbt-model-of-emotions
• Doom, J. R. (n.d.). Mapping future directions to test biopsychosocial pathways to health and well-being. Department of Psychology, University of Denver.
• Farmer, C., & Kindred, H. (Eds.). (n.d.). The ‘female’ dancer: A soma-scientific approach. Middlesex University.
• Clarke, G., & Millward, F. (n.d.). Supporting, stimulating, sustaining independent dance. Independent Dance, Siobhan Davies Studios.
• Harrison, C., Ruddock, S., Mayes, S., Cook, J., O’Halloran, P., Ferrar, K., & Ruddock-Hudson, M. (2020). Self-reported wellness in training and performance: A comparison of professional ballet dancers and professional athletes. Medical Problems of Performing Artists.
• Hettler, B. (1976). Six dimensions of wellness. © National Wellness Institute, Inc.
• Hoffman, M. D. (2018). Ultra-obligatory running among ultramarathon runners. Research in Sports Medicine, 26(2), 211–221.
• Karunamuni, N., Imayama, I., & Goonetilleke, D. (2021). Pathways to well-being: Untangling the causal relationships among biopsychosocial variables. Social Science & Medicine.
• Mazerolle, S., Eason, C. M., Lazar, R. A., & Mensch, J. M. (2016). Exploring career longevity in athletic training: Factors influencing persistence in the NCAA Division I setting. International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training, 21(6), 48-57. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijatt.2016-0026
• Precision Nutrition Team. (n.d.). Precision Nutrition level one course: Deep health and the biopsychosocial model.
• Salvo, S. (2019, May 29). Self-care and massage: Career longevity and the wellness model.
• Balanced Minds. (n.d.). Three system model. https://balancedminds.com/three-system-model/