Arts-based Interventions Research Articles

Thriving Through the Arts: Pathways to Social Well-Being for Older Women

The arts have enriched human experiences across time and culture. Beyond their intrinsic value, a growing body of evidence suggests that engaging with the arts has numerous benefits for health and well-being. Increasingly, research on older adults suggests that arts-based interventions and engagement with arts-based leisure activities enhance states of well-being (e.g. life satisfaction, positive emotions, belonging) and reduce states of ill-being (e.g. depression, anxiety, loneliness) In this paper, we focus on the potential for the arts to contribute to women thriving in their 80s and 90s. In particular, we aim to bring awareness to the ways in which the arts can play a vital role in cultivating positive states of social well-being (e.g. social connections, social networks, social support, and belonging) and mitigating negative states of social ill-being (e.g. loneliness, social isolation). We first lay the groundwork for the relationship between the arts and health and discuss social well-being as an important facet of overall well-being. We then review research findings from four artistic domains (music, visual art, art and craft, and performing arts) and their associations with social well-being in older adulthood. Finally, we discuss potential applications of art-based interventions to support the social well-being of women in later life.

If Art Were a Drug: Implications for Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and complex neurodegenerative disorder. Conventional pharmacological or surgical therapies alone are often insufficient at adequately alleviating disability. Moreover, there is an increasing shift toward person-centered care, emphasizing the concept of "living well". In this context, arts-based interventions offer great promise, functioning as platforms for creative expression that could provide novel mechanisms to promote quality of life. Here we present a qualitative review of arts-based interventions for PD, including music, dance, drama, visual arts, and creative writing. For each, we discuss their applications to PD, proposed mechanisms, evidence from prior studies, and upcoming research. We also provide examples of community-based projects. Studies to date have had relatively small sample sizes, but their findings suggest that arts-based interventions have the potential to reduce motor and non-motor symptoms. They may also empower people with PD and thereby address issues of self-esteem, foster personal problem-solving, and augment holistic well-being. However, there is a paucity of research determining optimal dosage and symptom-specific benefits of these therapies. If art were a drug, we would have to perform appropriately powered studies to provide these data before incorporating it into routine patient care. We therefore call for further research with properly designed studies to offer more rigorous and evidence-based support for what we intuitively think is a highly promising approach to support individuals living with PD. Given the possible positive impact on people's lives, arts-based approaches merit further development and, if proven to be effective, systematic inclusion within integrated management plans.

Expressive Arts Intervention for Older Carers of Adult Family Members with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract Expressive arts-based interventions have proven effective in facilitating discovery, healing, and change across diverse client populations, and particularly in deepening older individuals’ connection with their own creativity, resulting in improvements in physical and mental well-being. In this study, expressive arts-based interventions were utilised in ten groups of Chinese older carers of adult family members with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Focus group interviews were used to investigate the effectiveness. Amongst the forty-seven participants, the majority were mothers between sixty-one and seventy years old. More than half of the care recipients were over the age of thirty. The emergent themes included breakthroughs in self-expression, exploration of existential meaning, and confrontation with impending mortality. Participants had great worries about the future care arrangements, leading to immense feelings of frustration which were suppressed in accordance with prevailing Chinese values. Expressive arts were found effective in facilitating the expression of concealed emotions and expectations. The creative process was therapeutic in reconnecting the participants with forgotten events and relationships to discover positive meanings for change, enlightening them to embrace end-of-life as natural, treasure the present, and re-focus on self. Without a care arrangement solution, they resorted to maintaining health for life extension. Implications for service are included.

Are Art-Based Interventions Effective in Improving Psychological Well-Being Among Informal Caregivers of Cancer Patients? A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To systematically synthesize the current evidence on the effects of art-based interventions on improving anxiety, depression, stress, sleep, and well-being of cancer caregivers. Design: A systematic review. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from their inception up to April 2024. Studies exploring the effects of art-based interventions on the psychological symptoms of cancer caregivers were included. We did not restrict the publication to the particular study designs, including randomized controlled trials, quasiexperimental studies, and qualitative studies. Results: Fifteen studies of 607 participants were identified in this systematic review. Overall, the existing studies provided preliminary evidence to suggest that art-based interventions may benefit cancer caregivers in improving anxiety, depression, stress, caregiver burden, and quality of life. However, the relatively low quality of the current evidence limits the efficacy of these findings. Conclusions: According to the existing evidence, the therapeutic benefits of using art-based interventions for improving the psychological well-being of cancer caregivers are uncertain. More high-quality and well-designed studies are still required to confirm the psychological effectiveness of art-based interventions for cancer caregivers in the future.

Effectiveness of Art-Based Interventions in Addressing Eating Disorder Symptoms: A Systematic Review

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 This systematic review examines the effectiveness of art-based therapy (ABT) for individuals with eating disorders. Limited evidence supports ABT’s potential, urging OTs to consider its benefits while acknowledging the need for further research. Primary Author and Speaker: Brianna Herbert

Perceptions of young adult clients treated with time-limited art therapy

ABSTRACT Background This study examined the perceptions of young adult clients undergoing Time-Limited Art Therapy (TLAT) inspired by the Time-Limited Psychotherapy model (Mann, 1973). Twenty-one clients aged 23-35 dealing with typical young adulthood challenges participated in the TLAT intervention. Aims Examine clients' perceptions of the TLAT, how art helped focus on their central issue in therapy, the function of art in therapy, therapy outcomes, and changes in self-image a topic that has yet to be explored in the art therapy literature. Methods Therapy consisted of 26 sessions at a dedicated research clinic, with the termination date announced during the first session. The TLAT consisted of four intake sessions integrating structured art-based interventions, after which the central issue for therapy was formulated. This was followed by 22 sessions during which artmaking arose spontaneously. Semi structured interviews were conducted with all clients at the start and end of therapy. The data analysis adhered to Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) principles. Results The CQR analysis revealed seven domains: clients' expectations when coming to TLAT, clients' perceptions of the time dimension in therapy, the therapeutic relationship, the significance of the central issue in therapy, the role of art in processing contents in therapy, the termination phase of therapy and the significance of therapy. Conclusions Artmaking in TLAT helps draw attention to the central issue, foster the therapeutic relationship, and facilitate self-exploration. These results indicate the value of short-term individual models in art therapy and the advantages of incorporating art into brief psychotherapy, especially in cases with time constraints.

Place-Based Arts Engagement and Learning Histories: An Effective Tool for Climate Action

ABSTRACT Artistic works informed by the global climate emergency are now common. Yet research typically focuses on the role of art in climate communication, rather than evaluating opportunities for large-scale public art to drive climate action and behavioral change amongst audiences. Indeed, arts, culture, and heritage are poorly integrated into Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) even though understanding whether, and how, art drives community engagement with climate issues is crucial for pursuing meaningful adaptation and resilience strategies. This paper addresses these research gaps, drawing on the evaluation of FloodLights, a series of multimedia art installations exploring experiences of living with water past/present/future in Kingston-Upon-Hull, UK, shown in October 2021. Key findings demonstrate that FloodLights empowered audience members to engage in climate and water action. Emotional responses to the installations drove engagement amongst audience members and inspired behavior change. Feedback from respondents demonstrates specific ways in which increased awareness of water and flooding issues is coupled with tangible connections to family and community. We demonstrate that arts-based interventions are effective in raising climate awareness and changing behaviors, and demonstrate that local communities have profound connections to their watery histories and identities, driving even greater impact in the future.

The Effect of Art on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Art-based interventions can serve as a complementary and alternative method in managing various illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of art-based interventions on symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). This study was conducted between September and December 2022, involving 72 midwifery students with PMS (37 in the experimental group [EG] and 35 in the control group [CG]). Art-based interventions were applied to the EG weekly for 8weeks, while the students in the CG continued with their usual coping habits. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). At the end of 8weeks, both the EG and the CG were reassessed with the PMSS. The students who participated in the study were similar in terms of sociodemographic, obstetric, and medical characteristics ( P >.05). Analysis of the difference between pre- and posttest measurements revealed that the PMSS scores of the EG significantly decreased ( P =.000), whereas the PMSS scores of the CG did not improve ( P =.000). The findings of the study demonstrate that art-based interventions had a therapeutic effect on PMS symptoms.

Impact, feasibility, and acceptability of CREATORS: An arts-based pilot intervention to reduce mental-health-related stigma among youth in Hyderabad, India

BackgroundMental-health-related stigma prevents youth from seeking help for mental health problems. Limited studies in low- and middle-income countries assess the effect of arts-based education in reducing such stigma among youth, thereby leaving a gap in evidence-based, age- and culturally-appropriate interventions. ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact, feasibility, and acceptability of CREATORS, an arts-based educational program on reducing mental-health-related stigma among youth in India. MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods, pre-post control group study among college-going adolescents in Hyderabad, India. At baseline and post-intervention (after six weeks), we examined differences in intended behavior towards people with mental health problems. ResultsOur study involved 432 participants across three study groups: participants creating art on the theme of mental-health-related stigma over six weeks (n = 123), a student audience viewing 2-h arts show by participants (n = 244), and a control group (n = 65). Between baseline and post-test, participants creating art showed significantly lower stigma towards people with mental health problems compared to members of the control group (coefficient = 1.55, 95%CI 0.06–3.04, p = 0.041). Participants found the intervention useful and enjoyable (>95%; n = 773 across six weeks). Participants identified that collaborative creation of art made the subject of mental health interesting and relatable. ConclusionsParticipating in an arts-based educational program was associated with significantly lower mental-health-related stigma among youth compared to a control group in the short term. High acceptability of the program demonstrates the utility of arts-based education to address mental-health-related stigma. With community partners and artists as facilitators, our program may support mental health specialists in mental health promotion.

Is it premature to formulate recommendations for policy and practice, based on culture and health research? A robust critique of the CultureForHealth (2022) report.

Arts and health practice and research has expanded rapidly since the turn of the millennium. A World Health Organization scoping review of a large body of evidence claims positive health benefits from arts participation and makes recommendations for policy and implementation of arts for health initiatives. A more recent scoping review (CultureForHealth) also claims that current evidence is sufficient to form recommendations for policy and practice. However, scoping reviews of arts and health research-without critical appraisal of included studies-do not provide a sound basis for recommendations on the wider implantation of healthcare interventions. We performed a detailed assessment of 18 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) on arts-based interventions included in Section 1 of the CultureForHealth report using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for RCTs (2023). The 18 RCTs included demonstrated considerable risks of bias regarding internal and statistical conclusion validity. Moreover, the trials are substantially heterogeneous with respect to settings, health-issues, interventions, and outcomes, which limits their external validity, reliability, and generalisability. The absence of a critical appraisal of studies included in the CultureForHealth report leads to an overinterpretation and overstatement of the health outcomes of arts-based interventions. As such, the CultureForHealth review is not a suitable foundation for policy recommendations, nor for formulating guidance on implementation of arts-based interventions for health.

Belonging through Creative Connections: a feasibility study of an arts-based intervention to facilitate social connections between university students

Belonging through Creative Connections: a feasibility study of an arts-based intervention to facilitate social connections between university students

Testing the potential therapeutic effects of an online creative arts-based intervention for people with anxiety

ABSTRACT Background Creative arts-based interventions are a relatively new addition to the toolkit of psychological treatments for mental afflictions. As such, the therapeutic efficacy of these therapies when conducted remotely via digital media has been under-researched. To address this gap, this study tested the effects of an online creative arts-based intervention to alleviate anxiety. Method A repeated measures quasi-experimental design was employed on a sample of British adults (N = 41). Data were collected using pre- and post-intervention scores on the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing (WEMWBS) scales. Results Inferential analysis procedures consisting of multiple tests for within-subjects effects all showed significantly lower levels of anxiety and higher levels of mental wellbeing post-intervention. Conclusion Whilst additional confirmatory and longitudinal research is needed, the results of this exploratory study tentatively indicate that creative arts-based “interventions” delivered through digital media may be effective in substantively reducing common symptoms of anxiety.

Evidence about art-based interventions for Indigenous people: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionIndigenous people experience a unique set of health inequalities and social determinants that can negatively affect their physical health, mental health and wellness. This critical state of affairs is compounded...

Fostering collective impact in arts-based interventions and cultural programs for creative well-being of older adults

Despite growing interest in research into how the arts impact older adults’ health and well-being, there are many related complexities that are yet to be fully understood. This is partly due to the fact that documentation and analysis of arts-based interventions and cultural programmes for older adults in the public service domain are relatively new and uncommon. Furthermore, the effective implementation and the delivery of such inter­ventions to ageing people generally involve many stakeholders, often with divergent interests and priorities. This article presents an interview-based study that explores the diverse experiences of professionals from different sectors who have been involved in delivery of arts-based interventions and cultural programmes for older adults in South Korea and Finland. The study maps out similarities and differences in the approaches taken and the challenges faced in such interventions, using the five themes of the narrative interviews that have been conducted. The study findings highlight the need for supporting collective efforts among the diverse stakeholders to provide effective arts-based interventions and cultural programmes for ageing people. We argue that such efforts will ultimately become catalysts for synergetic actions that address the interconnected and encompassing challenges of an ageing society.

Feasibility, acceptability, and perceived benefits of a creative arts intervention for elementary school children living with speech, language and communication disorders

BackgroundChildren with speech, language, and communication disorders require specialized support in response to their emotional expression challenges. Not only is such support key for their development, but it is also essential for their mental well-being. Art making emerges as a valuable tool for enabling these children to convey emotions both verbally and non-verbally, fostering a positive self-concept. School-based arts interventions have the potential to improve self-concept and emotional expression, and more generally, the quality of life. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived effectiveness of a manualized, school-based creative arts intervention for this specific group.AimThis study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived benefits of an art-based intervention for elementary school students with speech, language, and communication disorders, using qualitative methods to obtain diverse perspectives.ResultsThe findings indicate that the intervention was feasible and well received, as reported by teachers, students, and facilitators. Participants also discussed potential positive outcomes, including emotional expression, emotional growth, and fulfilment of autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs. Students found the workshops conducive to sharing emotions and took pride in the creative process. Teachers gained deeper insights into their students, fostering positive classroom relationships. Observational data triangulated these findings.ConclusionThis innovative project suggests that art-based interventions can potentially benefit students’ emotional expression, but further experimental studies are needed to substantiate these effects.

Mapping the Palette: A Bibliometric Journey into Art in Health Research

Arts in healthcare is a broad worldwide movement that includes how the arts influence patient care, hospital surrounds. Art in health research is crucial to prove its effectiveness and guide its practical application in healthcare, addressing current gaps in knowledge and ensuring optimal integration into patient care. The objective of this article is to present a literature review and bibliometric analysis of the mapping art in health research from 2018 to 2023. Text queries on Scopus (1, 670 documents) and PubMed (550 documents) using the term (“art therapy” OR “art in medicine” OR “arts-based interventions” OR “creative arts therapies” OR “Art in Health”) have done on 15 October 2023 obtaining 2220 documents for in-depth analysis. Rstudio 4.2.1 and biblioshiny for bibliometrix were used to analyze research trends. The most popular journal in Scopus is the journal Arts in Psychotherapy while the journal Frontiers in Psychology in PubMed. In Scopus, the most frequently used author keywords and add keywords are “art therapy” while in PubMed it shows “humans” REGEV D., (Scopus) and TESTONI I., (PubMed) are the most popular authors. The United States of America produces the most scientific articles in Scopus and PubMed. The most notable affiliations from Scopus and PubMed is University of Haifa. In conclusion, PubMed and Scopus databases, it can be observed that a significant proportion of European researchers exhibit a broader range of research interests in the field of art in health.

Can we do this online? An aesthetic inquiry on virtual studio management education

Studio methods represent one of the more recent forms of arts-based learning interventions for promoting business students' creativeness, fostering socio-material relationships, and generating new insights through its maker-orientation. Different from more individually focused analytical tools, studio practices involve the collective materialization of artifacts to study management and organization topics. The potential for introducing online studio activities remains underexplored because studio-based approaches typically rely on assumptions of physical co-presence and material matters. Contributing to the current dialogue surrounding virtual student engagement and experiential collaborations, this paper focuses on studio activities designed for engaging online MBA Organizational Behavior students in the artistic materialization of artifacts to explore their experiences with virtual groups. Realized artifacts are shared with peer groups through a virtual platform, inviting aesthetic enjoyment and interpretations. Student reflections on artifact-making and virtual sharing are examined through the lens of aesthetics to guide readers through both theoretical nuances and practical insights on co-creative studio dynamics. Participants’ narratives underscore both opportunities and challenges associated with online socio-material studio work. Implications for future research and online studio practices are considered.

Future time perspectives of older adults as reflected through digital photocollage

Future time perspective is a concept that refers to individuals’ subjective perceptions of the future. These perceptions influence people’s actions and goals and change throughout the lifespan. Addressing the future can promote self-development while aging but can also raise perspectives that are difficult to discuss. While the arts can provide a safe and creative environment for older adults to explore future time perspectives, studies in this field are scarce. This qualitative study explored the future time perspectives of older adults as expressed through digital photocollage. It is part of a larger project aimed at developing an online arts-based intervention for community dwelling older adults. Twenty-four Italian and Israeli adults aged 78–92 participated in a brief therapeutic online intervention integrating Dignity Therapy and digital photocollage. Visual and verbal data were analyzed in an inductive framework, through polytextual thematic analysis . Four themes were generated. The first three reflected participants’ attitudes and wishes for the future. The fourth theme reflected the evolution of future time perspectives during the creative process. Findings indicated that despite the short-term nature of the creative intervention, and the complex topic at hand, participants expressed multiple future time perspectives. The findings highlight how digital and artistic techniques promote the expression and expansion of older adults’ future time perspectives.

Relationship between Artistic Expression and Mental Well-being

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the relationship between artistic expression and mental well-being. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to artistic expression and mental well-being. Preliminary empirical review revealed that engaging in creative activities offers therapeutic benefits such as emotional expression, self-discovery, and social connection. Through various forms of art, individuals were able to reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of belonging within their communities. Moreover, artistic expression served as a catalyst for personal transformation and empowerment, enabling individuals to overcome challenges and find meaning in their experiences. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating arts-based interventions into mental health care to promote holistic well-being. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Art as Therapy theory, Flow theory and Socio-Emotional Selectivity theory may be used to anchor future studies. The studies exploring the relationship between artistic expression and mental well-being offered valuable recommendations that contributed to theoretical advancements, informed practical applications, and guided policy development. By elucidating the therapeutic mechanisms of artistic expression, practitioners integrated arts-based interventions into clinical practice, educators incorporated arts into school curricula, and policymakers advocated for increased funding and support for arts initiatives in healthcare and community settings. These efforts aimed to foster creativity, resilience, and social connection, ultimately enhancing mental well-being across diverse populations.

Forest Disputes: Socially Engaged Art and Forest Science for Understanding Sustainability Challenges

This paper explores activist art's potential in promoting environmental awareness and community engagement, drawing from the International Socially Engaged Art Symposium (ISEAS). Focused on a Western Lapland ISEAS event, the study highlights art workshops addressing forest use conflicts facilitated by artist-scientist teams. These workshops offer a secure space for participants to express environmental concerns, fostering creative expression and dialogue. The study suggests that art-based interventions powerfully promote environmental awareness and community engagement by creating safe spaces for collaborative dialogue. Through ISEAS experiences, the paper demonstrates how activist art facilitates meaningful community engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental challenges.