Bernhard article published in journal

A peer-reviewed article, “Helping Music Education Majors through Positive Psychology,” written by Professor Christian Bernhard of the Fredonia School of Music, was published in the Nov. 6 issue of the International Journal of Education & the Arts.

Researchers and educators have documented stress and other mental health challenges among music education majors for decades, Dr. Bernhard wrote in the abstract. Issues related to academic workload in competitive music environments, striving to develop a teaching identity, and adjustments to college life, often combine to create tension and unease.

The problems, Bernhard noted, were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many music education majors still struggle to find a sense of normalcy and routine.

Bernhard’s goal in writing the article was to offer a narrative review of the literature to suggest ways in which the PERMA model of positive psychology (positive emotion, engagement, positive relationships, meaning and accomplishment) might help to mitigate distress among music education majors and offer pathways to enjoyment of college and flourishing in life.

Bernhard was invited to contribute to the journal by Drs. Liesl van der Merwe and Ewie Erasmus, guest editors, from North-West University, South Africa.

The full article can be read online.