Co-creative art processes with cancer patients from the artists’ perspective: a qualitative study exploring resonance theory

Abstract

Purpose Co-creation, characterised by artists and patients creating a joint work of art, may support patients with the integration of life events into their life story, such as living with cancer. In the process of co-creation, resonance relationships between patients, artists and material may evolve that support integration. We aim to investigate if and if so, how resonance relationships occur from the perspective of the artist. Methods We used the first 10 audio recordings of supervision sessions between eight artists and their two supervisors on ongoing co-creation processes with cancer patients. By conducting a qualitative template analysis in AtlasTi, we searched for the presence of resonance, as defined by its four main characteristics, Being affected, touched and moved; Self-efficacy and responding; Moments of uncontrollability; and Adaptive transformation. In addition, two case descriptions are presented. Results We found resonance relationships to be present in the studied co-creation processes where moments of uncontrollability can lead to a next step in the process of co-creation and as such form an important factor within co-creation. Conclusions The current study suggests focus on elements of resonance relationships within co-creation, specifically practising with uncontrollability while working with art, could strengthen interventions targeting integration of life events in advanced cancer patients.

The expression of ultimate life goals in co-creative art processes with palliative cancer patients

“…As part of a search for potential viable interventions facilitating integration of experiences of contingency into one's life narrative [15], we are currently investigating a process of co-creation between artists and patients with incurable cancer [16]. Such a co-creation process involves multiple sessions in which a professional artist works together with a patient creating a work of art, while reflecting upon aspects of the patient's life narrative, including experiences of contingency [16][17][18][19][20][21]. In a previous investigation on co-creation, based on artists' retrospective reports of co-creations with a wide variety of patients, building forth on Ricoeur [1], we recently developed a theory on the integration of experiences of contingency within a co-creation setting and found that, during co-creation, patients went through a process of integration of experiences of contingency with a sequence of four phases: art communications, element compilation, consolidation, and reflection [16].…”

Exploring resonance theory and uncontrollability during co‐creative art making: A qualitative study among cancer patients

“…During the co-creation process with a professional artist, palliative cancer patients create a work of art while reflecting on their experiences of contingency. 13,14,16 In previous research, 13 we found that the integration of experiences of contingency showed resemblances with resonance theory, as described by Rosa. [17][18][19] Resonance theory and contingency have previously been used as a theoretical framework in research on cancer patients, investigating a process of observing art works to create new meaning.…”

“…The experience of not knowing when and how the world is going to affect us, or not knowing beforehand how to relate to the experience. Unexpectedness is ingrained in the full experience of resonance a Category definitions based on Weeseman et al 13 the other 15 patients. In total, 35 patients have been invited to enrolment in ISOS of which 10 declined participation.…”

“…[1][2][3] As part of the In search of stories (ISOS) project, we designed and investigated a multimodal narrative intervention aiming to support cancer patients in the palliative stage with the integration of experiences of contingency into their life narrative. [11][12][13][14] Within ISOS, participating patients are supported by professional artists and spiritual counsellors while they read selected literature, 11 fill out life review questionnaires, 15 draw rich pictures, 12 go through a co-creation process 14 and reflect on these processes with the spiritual counsellor. During the co-creation process with a professional artist, palliative cancer patients create a work of art while reflecting on their experiences of contingency.…”

“…Unexpectedness is ingrained in the full experience of resonance". 13 The three phases of resonance theory could provide a theoretical framework to explain and understand how patients are receptive to the experience of contingency, encounter uncontrollability and subsequently transform themselves and their life narrative during co-creation. An experience of contingency can leave patients searching for ways to describe and understand their interpretation crisis.…”