Skip to content

Resource: Qualitative findings from a systematic review: Visual arts engagement for adults with mental health conditions (University of Brighton)

Qualitative findings from a systematic review: Visual arts engagement for adults with mental health conditions

Authors: ALAN TOMLINSON University of Brighton, JACK LANE Sport New Zealand, GUY JULIER Aalto University, LILY GRIGSBY-DUFFY Deakin University, ANNETTE PAYNE Brunel University London, LOUISE MANSFIELD Brunel University London, TESS KAY University of Stirling, ALISTAIR JOHN Brunel University London, CATHERINE MEADS Anglia Ruskin University, NORMA DAYKIN Tampere University, ALEX GOLDING Brunel University London, CHRISTINA VICTOR Brunel University London

Link: https://doi.org/10.1386/jaah_00042_1

Description:

This article reports on an investigation of the effects of ‘visual arts’-based programmes on subjective well-being (SWB) outcomes for adults with mental health conditions. In a systematic review, electronic databases were searched for articles published from January 2007 to April 2017. Grey literature completed from January 2014 to April 2017 was also considered. Six published articles of mostly moderate quality and six evaluation reports (grey literature) covering a wide range of visual arts practice, population groups and settings were included. Key themes emerged connected to the concept of ‘bonding’, sense of belonging, appreciation of self-identity and the confidence that engagement in visual arts can facilitate. The overall conclusion supports that visual arts have the potential to enhance the SWB of adults with mental health conditions. The evidence is relatively limited in terms of scope and quality ‐ increased funding across sectors should be secured to support more extensive and long-term research.

Published by: University of Brighton

Publication Date: 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Type: Reports/Papers