Psychosocial Risk Factors of Musicians in Turkey: Use of the Job Content Questionnaire

Abstract

Objective: The demand-control-support model was developed by Karasek and colleagues during the 1980s. This model is the most commonly used questionnaire for assessing psychosocial stress factors of work in many countries. This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial risk factors of musicians in Turkey using the Karasek model (Job Content Questionnaire, JCQ). Methods: Ninety university and high school students, who were completing their education on the piano, violin, and cello at Hacettepe University State Conservatoire, participated in this study. The musicians were divided into three groups according to the instrument being studied. Their histories and characteristics were obtained. The Framingham version and depression and psychological stress parts of the JCQ were filled out by all musicians. Results: Job demand, physical exertion, and physical load were high in all the musicians, but mostly in viola players. Conclusion: The JCQ model is suitable for evaluating the work stress of musicians. According to the JCQ, the musicians were exposed to psychosocial stress. It was noted that musicians are exposed to a risk of musculoskeletal injuries.