Impact of arts participation on children’s achievement: A systematic literature review

Abstract

This paper reports on a systematic literature review to examine the association between children and young people's participation in arts activities and their academic achievement. The 24 studies that met our criteria for inclusion and weight of evidence (2004-16) had mixed findings. Whilst many of the research designs employed would not meet positivist criteria for rigoursuch as sample size, statistical significance and causalitytypically required by public bodies to justify expenditure, there are examples throughout the literature reviewed of academically-related benefits to participants, such as increased confidence, creativity or more positive attitude towards their studies. Overall, there appears to be some justification from the literature for public investment in high-quality, long-term arts education programmes for children and young people in schools and community settings, on the basis of its potential to enhance academic achievement. However, there may be more intrinsic benefits to arts participation than the instrumental, essentially economic justification of improved academic standards.

Family socioeconomic status and the parent–child relationship in Chinese adolescents: the multiple serial mediating roles of visual art activities

“…Despite the fact that these visual art activities broaden children’s horizons to help them view their surroundings and the world differently [ 9 , 18 , 26 , 51 ], most evidence has concentrated on determining children’s cognitive development (e.g., [ 24 , 32 , 34 , 50 , 54 ]). A recent systematic review that synthesizes the literature demonstrates that an overwhelming amount of evidence assesses the relationship between art activities and academic achievement [ 49 ], which neglects other vital aspects of children’s development. Additionally, visual art activity participation was measured as an experience at home, in art galleries, community centers, and museums supervised by an adult (parent or caregivers) [ 10 , 28 , 33 , 45 , 55 , 56 ].…”

The impact of a community‐based music intervention on the health and well‐being of young people: A realist evaluation

“…While studies show encouraging results in terms of the impact of community interventions on self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, well‐being and health of adolescents, the evidence linking young people's participation in the arts to increased engagement and well‐being is fragmented and inconclusive (Jindal‐Snape et al, ; Stickley et al, ). This suggests a need to strengthen the evidence base through the application of rigorous methodological approaches (Crooke & McFerran, ).…”

“…More importantly, and in relation to disadvantaged young people, existing studies do not answer ‘how’ music interventions impact aspects of well‐being and engagement and ‘what’ are their pathways. As such, the evidence regarding processes associated with the impact of community‐based music interventions remains unclear (Jindal‐Snape et al, ; McFerran et al, ).…”

Comics Jam: Creating healthcare and science communication comics – A sprint co-design methodology

“…At all times, they were supported and overseen by experts in bereavement counselling. The participation in visual arts was particularly pertinent as previous research has highlighted the impact of arts participation on young people's well-being (Jindal-Snape et al 2018). When launched, the comic not only directly connected with bereaved young people but also enabled parents, carers, teachers and peers to provide better support in the event of bereavement.…”