Turning the spotlight: Hostile behavior in creative higher education and links to mental health in marginalized groups
2025

Hostile Behavior in Creative Higher Education

Sample size: 611 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Marina Fischer, Susanne Veit, Pichit Buspavanich, Gertraud Stadler

Primary Institution: Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Hypothesis

Marginalized groups report higher rates of hostile behavior experiences in creative higher education.

Conclusion

The study found that marginalized groups in creative higher education experience higher rates of hostile behaviors, which negatively impact their mental health and professional thriving.

Supporting Evidence

  • 91.8% of participants reported experiences of at least one form of hostile behavior.
  • 42.0% reported having diagnosed depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
  • 36.2% identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Takeaway

This study shows that many young artists face unkind treatment in their schools, which can make them feel sad and less successful.

Methodology

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among students at higher education institutions for art and music.

Potential Biases

Self-reported data may introduce bias, as individuals sensitive to discrimination may be more likely to participate.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, and the sample may not represent all artistic students.

Participant Demographics

Participants had a mean age of 27.5 years; 71.9% identified as female, trans, inter, non-binary, or questioning their gender identity.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0315089

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