Abstract
Art of Recovery explores the potential of a participatory arts engagement with place to contribute toward the recovery and reconnection of refugees who experience trauma. The study responded to the international challenge of refugees’ mental health as a global priority as they experience higher prevalence rates of severe mental health disorders in comparison with the general population. The role of participatory arts in contributing toward recovery and reconnection is growing, but policymakers and health professionals are constrained by the lack of research exploring its benefits. We worked with 14 participants in four participatory arts workshops exploring the benefits of artwork focusing on remembered or imagined healing places. A qualitative thematic analysis of the artwork drew on Herman’s theory of recovery identifying “remembrance”, “mourning”, and “reconnection” to assess the elements of potential recovery, including aspects of the participants’ experience of transition between their homeland and the United Kingdom (UK), and new social connections. In conclusion, the study suggests that participating in a group making artworks of places associated with safety may contribute to processes of transition and social connectedness, prompting in turn feelings of wellbeing. The study offers insights into arts and health issues of interest to refugee-supporting communities, health professionals and policymakers.
Highlights
Art of Recovery responded to the current global context and the mental health challenge associated with refugees and asylum seekers
Secondary coding identified two sub-themes, engagement with these elements supported a trajectory of recovery
Secondary coding identified two namely, the participants’ experience of transition between their homeland and the United Kingdom (UK), and new social sub-themes, namely, the participants’ experience of transition between their homeland and the UK, connections. Data analysis of these themes enabled researchers to infer that participating in a group and new social connections
Summary
Art of Recovery responded to the current global context and the mental health challenge associated with refugees and asylum seekers. Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the health of refugees and asylum seekers is a global priority (UNHCR 2018; WHO 2017). Since May 2017, WHO has shifted its approach on migration from a solely humanitarian-based approach to one based on health systems that strengthen the physical and mental health of refugees (WHO 2017). WHO’s premise is that at global and national levels, health policies and strategies to manage the health consequences of migration and displacement have not kept pace with the speed and diversity of modern migration and displacement. Art of Recovery explores how participatory art contributes to the recovery of refugees who experience trauma
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
