Abstract
Background: There is a growing evidence base for the use of participatory arts for the purposes of health promotion. In recent years, recovery approaches in mental healthcare have become commonplace in English speaking countries amongst others. There are few studies that bring together these two fields of practice.Aims: The two aims of this study were (a) to investigate the validity of the CHIME framework for characterising the experience of Participatory Arts and (b) to use the CHIME framework to investigate the relationship between participatory arts and mental health recovery. Method: The study employed a two-phase methodology: a rapid review of relevant literature followed by secondary analysis of qualitative data collected from 38 people who use mental health service who took part in participatory arts activities designed to improve mental health.Results: Each of the recovery processes identified by CHIME are present in the qualitative research literature as well as in the data of the secondary analysis.Conclusions: Participatory arts activities produce outcomes which support recovery, specifically including enhancing connectedness and improving hope. They can be recommended to people living with mental health problems.
Highlights
Participatory arts activities are typically facilitated by artists with little or no specific training in psychotherapeutic processes, they are usually unregulated activities, and involve active participation
Participatory arts differ from arts therapies, which are practised by trained arts therapists and regulated by professional bodies, such as the British Association of Art Therapy in the UK
The two aims of this study were (a) to investigate the validity of the CHIME framework for characterising the experience of Participatory Arts and (b) to use the CHIME framework to investigate the relationship between participatory arts and mental health recovery
Summary
Participatory arts activities are typically facilitated by artists with little or no specific training in psychotherapeutic processes, they are usually unregulated activities, and involve active participation. Reviews of the impact on health of arts activities across this spectrum have identified a wide range of benefits for wellbeing and sense of control, social engagement and mortality (McLean et al, 2011; Putland, 2012). Arts therapy has been investigated using randomised controlled trials for older people (Kim, 2013; Rusted et al, 2006) but a recent review identified a paucity of evidence relating to mechanisms of action (Kelly et al, 2015). Method The study employed a two-phase methodology: a rapid review of relevant literature followed by secondary analysis of qualitative data collected from 38 people who use mental health service who took part in participatory arts activities designed to improve mental health.
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