The art of seeing: The impact of a visual arts course on medical student wellbeing

Abstract

Purpose Medical student burnout is becoming increasingly common. The Art of Seeing is a visual arts elective at one US medical school. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of this course on attributes that are foundational to wellbeing: mindfulness, self-awareness, and stress. Methods A total of 40 students participated in this study from 2019 through 2021. Fifteen students participated in the pre-pandemic, in-person course, and 25 students participated in the post-pandemic, virtual course. Pre and post-tests included open-ended responses to works of art, which were coded for themes, and standardized scales: mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS), situational self-awareness scale (SSAS), and perceived stress questionnaire (PSQ). Results The students had statistically significant improvements on the MAAS (p < .01), the SSAS (p < .01), and the PSQ (p = 0.046). Improvements in the MAAS and the SSAS did not depend on class format. Students also demonstrated increased focus on the present moment, emotional awareness, and creative expression in the post test free responses. Conclusions This course significantly improved mindfulness, self-awareness, and stress levels in medical students, and can be used to help enhance wellbeing and mitigate burnout in this population, both in-person and virtually.