It’s like another world: the perceived beneficial effects of an artistically designed multisensory environment

Abstract

Self-management strategies have been identified as having a key role in supporting mental health and preventing mental illness. Evidence suggests that spending time in nature, experiencing or viewing artwork and accessing sensory rooms all support self-management and positive mental health among varied clinical populations. This evidence informed the design of the sensory-art space (SAS), an artistically designed multisensory environment, which drew on themes and images of nature.The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceived benefits of the SAS among members of a university community.A maximum variation approach to sampling was used, and 18 participants were included in this qualitative study. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis.The findings presented six themes. The two core themes were: , and and describe how the SAS produced the beneficial effects described in the four remaining themes of: ,, andParticipants identified beneficial effects of the SAS that were consistent with the evidence for other self-management strategies. The identified benefits also aligned with existing theories suggesting that the SAS functioned as a restorative environment. This study is the first to explore the experience of art in a multisensory and multidimensional capacity, which further contributes to the growing field of receptive engagement with the arts for health outcomes.

Receptive Arts Engagement for Health: A Holistic and Trans-Disciplinary Approach to Creating a Multisensory Environment

“…A range of self-management strategies supportive of mental health and wellbeing were identified, including relaxation, restoration, enhanced positive emotions, and meditative effects from time spent in the space (Cavanagh et al, 2019). These perceived beneficial effects were attributed to a feeling of being in a completely different world and an enhanced ability to focus (Cavanagh et al, 2019). This previous study highlights the potential benefits of an artistically created multisensory environment for adults in nonclinical settings.…”

“…Analysis was inductive and data-driven (Braun & Clarke, 2006;Patton, 1990). BC conducted the analysis, beginning with familiarization with the data through repeated readings of the interview transcripts (Cavanagh et al, 2019). This process facilitated an in-depth immersion into the interview data to examine the participants' experiences and stimulated the cultivation of initial ideas and possibilities in terms of analysis (Green et al, 2007).…”

“…The SAS was designed to create an immersive experience that would stimulate the visual, haptic, olfactory, auditory, vestibular, and proprioceptive senses. Construction began by transforming a study room in the library of the University into a blacked-out dark room, curated with illuminated Biophilicinspired sculptural forms and artworks, comfortable and soft seating, instrumental music, bubbling water sounds, and an assortment of weighted blankets and weighted lap cushions (Cavanagh et al, 2019). The SAS stimulated the olfactory sense with the use of an aromatherapy scent diffuser, scented room spray, and lavender scent packs placed discreetly around the room.…”

“…In a previous qualitative study, the SAS was recognized as a restorative environment among a sample of students and staff in a university setting. A range of self-management strategies supportive of mental health and wellbeing were identified, including relaxation, restoration, enhanced positive emotions, and meditative effects from time spent in the space (Cavanagh et al, 2019). These perceived beneficial effects were attributed to a feeling of being in a completely different world and an enhanced ability to focus (Cavanagh et al, 2019).…”

“…The interviews were carried out using an interview guide that comprised a series of open-ended questions and prompts created to address the aims of this research (Edwards & Holland, 2013). The interview guide included questions about the participant's experience in the SAS, perceptions of the artistic design and sensory components, and potential benefits from spending time in the SAS (Cavanagh et al, 2019). The interviewer also recorded field notes, which were included in data analysis (Cavanagh et al, 2019).…”