Showing papers in "Arts & Health in 2018"
TL;DR: A systematised review protocol appraised primary research material evaluating social prescribing schemes published 2000–2015 identified a number of gaps in the evidence base and makes recommendations for future evaluation and implementation of referral pathways.
Abstract: Background: This review focused on evaluation of United Kingdom social prescribing schemes published in peer-reviewed journals and reports. Schemes, including arts, books, education, and exercise ‘on prescription’ refer patients to community sources of non-clinical intervention.
Method: A systematised review protocol appraised primary research material evaluating social prescribing schemes published 2000-15. Searches were performed in electronic databases using keywords, and articles were screened for evaluation of patient data, referral process, assessment method and outcomes; non-evaluated articles were excluded.
Results: Of 86 schemes located including pilots, 40 evaluated primary research material: 17 used quantitative methods including six randomised controlled trials; 16 qualitative methods, and seven mixed methods; 9 exclusively involved arts on prescription.
Conclusions: Outcomes included increase in self-esteem and confidence; improvement in mental wellbeing and positive mood; and reduction in anxiety, depression and negative mood. Despite positive findings, the review identifies a number of gaps in the evidence base and makes recommendations for future evaluation and implementation of referral pathways.
166 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an exploratory study examined long-term effects of dance for Parkinson's disease on non-dance activities outside the studio, functional mobility, self-efficacy, and quality of life (QoL).
Abstract: Background: Dance for Parkinson’s Disease or Dance for PD® (DfPD) classes were developed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and Brooklyn Parkinson Group in 2001 This exploratory study examined long-term effects of DfPD on non-dance activities outside the studio, functional mobility, self-efficacy, and quality of life (QoL)Methods: Individuals in four well-established DfPD classes completed a survey regarding perceived impact of DfPD Response rate was 55%; 61 completed surveys were included in analysesResults: Responses indicated that DfPD clearly impacts daily functioning outside the studio Results of regression analyses indicated that functional mobility and self-efficacy were associated with QoL Mediation analyses indicated that one way in which higher levels of functional mobility influence QoL is by enhancing self-efficacy of the PD participantsConclusions: Because of the direct effect of self-efficacy on QoL, results suggest future research focus on self-efficacy as well as functional mobi
62 citations
TL;DR: A recommendation is made for use of the term “arts in health” to reference the discipline in educational programs in the U.S. based on literature review, technical examination of language, a field survey and round-table dialog among educators.
Abstract: Background: There has been tremendous progress linking the arts to health over the past five decades in the United States. An academic discipline has been clearly established through the developmen...
53 citations
TL;DR: This paper used conversation analysis and narrative analysis to provide a detailed assessment of communication, which was used to design an individually tailored life story intervention to facilitate family interaction: a co-produced life story music DVD, which offered the family a resource that allowed the person with semantic dementia to display areas of retained competence and enhanced participation in interaction.
Abstract: Background: Semantic dementia is a rarer dementia, classified as a type of frontotemporal dementia and a variant of primary progressive aphasia. Studies examining conversation in this condition and interventions to enhance participation in family life present as gaps in the research literature.
Methods: Working with one family on a longitudinal basis, this study used conversation analysis and narrative analysis to provide a detailed assessment of communication . This information was used to design an individually tailored life story intervention to facilitate family interaction: a co-produced life story music DVD.
Results: This intervention offered the family a resource that allowed the person with semantic dementia to display areas of retained competence and enhanced participation in interaction in a way that was not typically present in everyday conversation.
Conclusions: It is argued that fostering greater opportunities for such in-the-moment connections is an important goal for intervention, particularly when language may be significantly compromised.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored carers' experiences of leisure-based art-making, and its contribution to psychological well-being, and found that participation in artmaking promoted positive identity and resilience for care-giving.
Abstract: Background: Caring for a family member with dementia is stressful. This study explores carers’ experiences of leisure-based art-making, and its contribution to psychological well-being.Method: This study interviewed six women (>60 years old) with lengthy experience of caring for a relative with dementia. All engaged regularly in art-making. Findings were inferred through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.Results: Participation in art-making promoted positive identity, and resilience for care-giving. It offered temporary respite from care-giving demands, helping participants maintain contact with the richness of the external world, and freedom from confinement. Art-making facilitated meaningful connections with others, including the person with dementia, and enabled positive feedback. Participants whose loved ones had recently died or moved to residential care, processed, in oblique, possibly symbolic ways, the end of their intense involvement in care-giving.Conclusions: The findings suggest...
17 citations
TL;DR: Making art in the group supported participants’ sense of voice, empowerment, agency and the capacity to make a social contribution within their respective communities during a period of dislocation from the village and extended family.
Abstract: Background: Set in the Pacific nation of Samoa, this study contributes knowledge about art, mental health and trauma recovery for people within a non-Western context. A total of 22 youth and young ...
16 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the philosophical and practice aspects of evaluatative theatre have been considered in the context of verbatim theatre, which has the potential to raise social consciousness around difficult social issues.
Abstract: Background: Verbatim theatre has the potential to raise social consciousness around difficult social issues, but consideration needs to be given to the philosophical and practice aspects of evaluat...
13 citations
TL;DR: The Rural Art Roadshow was designed to build community resilience, reduce stigma and promote a positive image of mental health in rural Tasmania, Australia by show-casing a travelling exhibition of art submitted by Tasmanian community members affected by mental illness.
Abstract: The Rural Art Roadshow was designed to build community resilience, reduce stigma and promote a positive image of mental health in rural Tasmania, Australia by show-casing a travelling exhibition of art submitted by Tasmanian community members affected by mental illness. The project combined the benefits of art as therapy, and the art show as a community event to increase social inclusion, and facilitate positive conversations about mental health.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the specific part played by the creative aspects of introductory arts courses that aim to improve mental well-being and found that the creative processes were playful experimentation and inspiration.
Abstract: Background: Evaluations of participatory arts and mental health projects have consistently found improvements in mental well-being but the part played by the creative aspects, as distinct from the benefits of social interaction, remains unclear.Methods: This study explored the specific part played by the creative aspects of introductory arts courses that aim to improve mental well-being. Nine course participants consented to recording of accreditation assessment meetings held with them towards the end of their course.Results: Thematic analysis identified themes relating to two categories: creative processes and the learning that ensued. The creative processes were playful experimentation and inspiration. Learning processes revolved around learning to learn and artistic development.Conclusions: Previous studies have found play, inspiration and learning to be associated with well-being. It therefore seems reasonable to conclude that the creative aspects of the courses did play an important part in i...
10 citations
TL;DR: The cultural plan was developed as a part of the care plan, and this turned the nursing personnel’s focus from traditional nursing to nursing based more on the cultural needs of the elderly clients.
Abstract: Background: The European Capital of Culture Action introduced a research and development project called Cultural Plans for Senior Citizens in 2011 in Turku, Finland. The project aimed at improving ...
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors tested the properties of the Meaningfulness of Songwriting Scale (MSS) with university students studying songwriting, to determine its validity and reliability in measuring the extent of meaning derived from the songwriting process.
Abstract: Background: Songwriting is emerging as a popular activity for use in therapeutic contexts suggested. Our study tested the properties of the Meaningfulness of Songwriting Scale (MSS) with university students studying songwriting, to determine its validity and reliability in measuring the extent of meaning derived from the songwriting process. Method: Participants completed the MSS, Short State Flow Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale immediately following their creation and performance of an original song. Seven days later, participants completed the MSS second time. Results: Analyses were performed and findings indicated that the measure has good content validity, strong internal consistency, acceptable test–retest reliability, limits of agreement, measurement error, and discriminant validity. Convergent validity was weaker than the other measurement property results. Conclusions: The MMS has adequate measurement properties for use with university students and may be utilized to further our und...
TL;DR: This mode of exhibition raises awareness of mental health, reaches an audience that may be marginalized from mainstream cultural activity and helps build resilience and civic pride.
Abstract: Background: A variety of cultural activities can be used to raise awareness of mental health issues that provide artistic opportunities for those experiencing mental illness, and for outreach to communities who are less likely to engage with the arts.Method: This study evaluated the impact of two lightbox exhibitions in urban public spaces in London, England, using interlinked cross-sectional surveys. Numerical data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis used to analyse textual data.Results: The findings indicated that the artwork challenged negative attitudes towards mental illness, created empathy with artists and provided a forum for reflection about mental health.Conclusions: This mode of exhibition raises awareness of mental health, reaches an audience that may be marginalized from mainstream cultural activity and helps build resilience and civic pride.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the effect of hospital clowns on the anxiety and depression level of child patients and their mothers during hospital stay and found that clowns had a negative effect on children.
Abstract: Background: This study aims to investigate the effect of hospital clowns on the anxiety and depression level of child patients and their mothers during hospital stay. Methods: 99 children (7–13 yea...
TL;DR: This article examined the degree to which individuals' sense of self-determination and internal locus of control might be suitable constructs to study in relation to fine arts participation in adults with complex developmental disabilities.
Abstract: Background: This study examined the degree to which individuals’ sense of self-determination and internal locus of control might be suitable constructs to study in relation to fine arts participation in adults with complex developmental disabilities.Method: Thirty-four participants in fine arts programs and eight non-participants, all with disabilities involving neuromuscular impairment and varying degrees of cognitive impairment, completed measures of locus of control and of sense of self-determination.Results: No significant differences on quantitative measures were found among high users, low users or non-users of arts programming. Qualitative results suggest that fine arts participants, relative to non-participants, are more likely to de-emphasize “luck” in favor of effort and ambition in attributions about their circumstances and accomplishments.Conclusion: While quantitative findings did not suggest a relationship between either self-determination or locus of control and arts participation, ...