Arts-based Interventions Research Articles

Using Vision Boards to Support the Development of Early Student Counselors

ABSTRACT One of the primary functions of clinical supervision is to facilitate counseling skills development. The integrative developmental model (IDM) suggests specific challenges facing masters-level student counselors at each developmental level. For early student counselors, this includes heightened anxiety, perfectionism, and struggles with self-concept and wellness. We propose using vision boards as a supervision tool to address these developmental challenges through creative arts-based interventions. The process of engaging in creative arts-based supervision decreases supervisees’ anxiety and increases self-awareness, perspective-taking abilities, and cognitive complexity, making personal growth more accessible. Vision boards visually represent student counselor growth and development and function as a means to document student counselor progress for evaluation and gatekeeping purposes. A case study is presented to explore the application of the vision board within the framework of the IDM. Finally, implications and limitations are discussed.

Implementing a group singing intervention for postpartum depression within the Italian health service

BackgroundIn the United Kingdom a singing intervention for Postpartum Depression (PPD) titled “Music and Motherhood” was found to be effective. The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe coordinated a study to assess the feasibility of implementing and adapting the intervention in other countries. In Italy, recent studies have highlighted the need to promote the availability of effective interventions for PPD in primary care.AimTo describe the implementation of “Music and Motherhood” within the Italian primary care services dedicated to pregnancy and postnatal care in three different geographical locations, thus providing an example of strategies for implementing an arts and health intervention in primary care that can improve health and well-being.MethodsA 10-week group singing intervention for mothers with PPD was conducted as part of a single arm feasibility study. Data were collected through one-to-one interviews, focus groups and questionnaires from the professionals involved in the implementation and selected participating mothers. A conceptual framework including acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, implementation process, costs and sustainability was adopted for analysis. Number of sessions attended by mothers and implementation outcome measures for acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility, each consisting of four items rated on a 5-point Likert scale were also gathered.ResultsThe intervention was found to be inclusive of women from different socio-cultural backgrounds and appropriate to the context. The group setting and the use of an arts-based intervention helped to de-medicalise the process of care maximising resources. Singing helped mothers to express their feelings and find strategies to improve interaction with their child. Attention to mothers’ needs and the co-presence of the professional singing leader and a health professional were among the key factors. The median number of sessions attended was nine out of 10. In terms of acceptability, almost 90% of the professionals were in complete agreement that they liked and approved the intervention.ConclusionOur study adds to the evidence that an arts and health intervention proven effective in one culture and linguistic context can be adapted to another. Collaboration among health professionals and artists in the implementation process and adequate funding are instrumental in moving from project to programme level.

Tackling child criminal exploitation (CCE): an arts-based approach

ABSTRACT This article discusses the efficacy of a freely available arts-based intervention used to tackle Child Criminal Exploitation. A digital, interactive story (Cold Chips & Money) was used in school and youth settings in Hampshire, England with 1,451 young people aged 11–13 in 2021 as part of a project of the same name. Its use has continued since. I was and continue to be the Project Lead and oversaw the development of the story, the supporting resources and the evaluation framework. I worked with a project facilitator and evaluator throughout. Cold Chips & Money was designed to help students understand, recognise and manage external influence and pressure. The story and supporting resources which included a lesson plan and access to the project evaluation lead, enable professionals to have conversations with young people about how they can keep themselves safe, as well as how they can support one another to resist unwanted attention that might lead to exploitation. The resources relate directly to the PSHE Association Key Stage 3 Core Theme Relationships: Social Influence section R42–47. The development and use of the resources was planned to complement multi-agency work on Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines and had input from multiple professionals. Project evaluation evidenced a significant increase in awareness of county lines, and the issues surrounding it. Teachers stated that the interactive storytelling format was effective at and provided the opportunity to facilitate in-depth dialogue around the cause and effect of the decisions we make.

‘Excellent for mind,body and spirit’: Participant, facilitator, and community stakeholder experiences of Music and Movement for Health

Background and purposeArts-based interventions are an emerging area of interest in health research for older adults. Music and Movement for Health (MMH) is one such systematically developed interdisciplinary arts-based intervention designed to enhance health and wellbeing of older adults. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the opinions and experiences of participants, facilitators, and community stakeholders of the MMH intervention. Materials and methodsThis embedded qualitative study was completed as part of a wider evaluation of the MMH intervention. A purposive sample of older adults who had completed MMH (n = 71), facilitators (n = 8) and community stakeholders (n = 4) participated in this study. Data were collected through a combination of focus groups and telephone/virtual interviews. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. ResultsData analysis led to the generation of the overarching theme ‘Positive ageing in place’, which encompassed two themes: (1) ‘Intersection of exercise and arts’ and (2) ‘Fostering a sense of belonging’, and five subthemes. MMH was viewed as a unique arts-based intervention that combined participants' interest in music and dance and had many perceived physical and psychological benefits. Additionally, MMH provided routine and social opportunities to older adults, which were particularly valued in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. ConclusionThe provision of exercise through the arts was enjoyable and, resultantly, desirable to many older adults, with perceived positive physical and psychosocial outcomes. Consequently, the use of arts-based interventions for health promotion and social opportunities among older adults warrants further investigation. Trial registrationISRCTN35313497.

Rethinking culture: a narrative review on the evolving role of museum and art gallery-based heritage activities and programmes on wellbeing.

The prevalence of chronic mental and physical diseases is increasing globally. In addition, the changing demographics towards an ageing population pose a challenge to healthcare systems, as ageing is associated with a decrease in physical and mental capacity and an increased risk of developing disease. The review aims to explore primary studies that investigated the effect of museum and art gallery-based heritage activities and programmes on the wellbeing of (1) individuals recovering from drug addiction or patients with dementia and (2) younger and older adults. We conducted a search using specific keywords, and inclusion and exclusion criteria, in databases for the period 2013-2023. Following a detailed examination of numerous articles, 15 original studies were included in this review. 15 original studies investigated the effects of museum and art gallery-based heritage activities or programmes on (1) patients with chronic diagnoses associated with mental health and/or physical impairment, such as drug addiction and dementia and (2) the wellbeing of younger and older populations. The interactive environment of museums had positive health outcomes for patients with chronic mental (addiction recovery, dementia) and physical diseases (cancer) as well as hospitalized patients. In addition, it improved the physical and mental wellbeing of younger and older individuals. Museum art-based interventions may be integrated as part of the non-pharmacological management of patients experiencing mental disorders as well as for improving the wellbeing of younger and older populations.

Online Art-Based Interventions from Peer Influencers to Reduce Mental Health Stigma: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Stigmatizing perceptions of people with mental health conditions continue to frame them as dangerous, weak-willed, flawed, and culpable for their symptoms. Guided by social contact and social role valorization theories, the present study consists of a randomized controlled trial of an asynchronous, online social contact intervention to reduce mental health stigma among members of the public (N = 318). Groups 1–3 viewed intervention posts including art and writing, art-only, and writing-only created by peer influencers self-identifying with mental health conditions on Instagram. Group 4 viewed matched comparison posts that were not about mental health. Results showed that participants in the intervention groups reported significantly higher mental health awareness, general sympathy, and appreciation for people with mental health conditions than those in the comparison group. All groups reported a significant decrease in prejudice. These results have implications for collaborating with peer influencers to develop and implement cost-effective online interventions to reduce mental health stigma.

Effectiveness of a short, intensive, art-based group intervention on attention level in children with autism spectrum disorders: a pre-post experimental study

Background The rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is dramatically rising globally, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. There has been little research on the effects of art-based interventions on attention impairments among children with ASD. Objective To examine the effectiveness of a short, intensive, art-based intervention on attention switching and attention to detail in children with moderate-severe ASD. Methods In this pre- and post-experimental study, children previously diagnosed with levels 2 and 3 ASD were invited to join a one-month, art-based course. The art-based intervention was held 3 days/week for 2 hours per day. Results The mean age of subjects was 8.33 (range 5 to 11) years; there were 10 (83.33%) males and 2 (16.67%) females. The total Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-Child) scores from baseline to one week after completion of the art-based course were not significantly different. In addition, mean social skills scores of attention switching and attention to detail, as well as communication scores were not significantly changed from baseline to after course completion. However, the children had significantly worse median imagination scores after the course compared to baseline scores (18.0 vs. 16.0, respectively) (P=0.0020). Conclusion After a one-month, art-based, group intervention, AQ-Child scores did not change significantly in total score, social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, or communication. The median imagination score worsened after, compared to before, the intervention. However, these results need to be interpreted with caution due to the very small sample size.

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.

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.