| The objective of the current study was to investigate emotion management skills of actors and to determine if there exists a relationship between self-disclosure and negative, unproductive emotional consequences. It was expected that where self-disclosure was encouraged and inadequate attention was paid to establishing safeguards, actors would respond with increased negative experiences, above and beyond that which was considered useful to their growth as an actor.; Student participants (N = 63) were given two questionnaires: The Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ) and a questionnaire (EMQ) designed for this study. In addition, interviews were conducted with the 3 instructors and 8 acting students.; If an actor expects to work in a highly self-revealing way, this expectation serves to protect the actor from undue negative consequences. Therefore, even if they were pressured or they accidently revealed more then they intended, the actor was still able to integrate the experience and feel that it was ultimately beneficial to his/her development as an actor. Also, the number of destructive experiences resulting from these powerful exercises can be reduced when sufficient attention is paid to establishing safeguards.; It was shown that as safeguards decreased, discomfort and unproductive, unwanted negative experiences increased. Several important methods for actively supporting the safety in the class were identified. Safeguards: instructors should provide (a) periodic reminders to respect confidentiality; (b) prevention of disrespectful responses; (c) a model for respectful behaviors; (d) methods of containing the experience; (e) explanations for the purpose of the exercises; (f) individual attention when necessary; (g) permission for the actors to withdraw from participation.; The WCQ scales, when applied to the current population, did not have sufficient correlations to render useful information. The most prevalent method of coping was some form of escapism (watching TV, listening to music, and eating). These activities also allowed for unconscious consolidation of their experiences. Thirty-two percent of the actors reported making use of alcohol or cannabis to cope with the emotions that were brought up in class. Physical exercise, deep breathing, and meditation were also common methods of coping. |
