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

Abstract

Background Co-creation, characterized by artists and patients creating a joint work of art, may support patients with the integration of disruptive life events into their life story, such as living with cancer. Focusing on experiences of contingency and life goals could support this process. The research questions are: (1) ‘how are patient’s ultimate life goals and experiences of contingency expressed in the work of art as created in a process of co-creation?’; (2) ‘how do the four phases of integration of experiences of contingency unfold during co-creation?’ Methods Ten patients who were in a palliative stage of cancer treatment completed co-creation processes. Audio recordings of these co-creation processes were imported in Atlas-Ti and analysed by applying directed content analysis. We searched for life goals and experiences of contingency in the four phases of co-creation; Art communications, Element compilation, Consolidation, Reflection. Results Patients used 4–8 sessions (median 5 sessions) with a duration of 90–240 min each (median duration 120 min). All patients expressed their experience of contingency and their ultimate life goals within the four phases of co-creation and in their work of art. A case description is presented illustrating the co-creation process. Conclusions During co-creation, patients move through four phases in which experiences of contingency and ultimate life goals can be made explicit through art making and can be expressed in the work of art, supporting integration of experiences of contingency into one’s life narrative.

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.…”

“…Paintings of the patient. From left to right: (A) initial drawings by the artist, (B) portrait 1, (C) portrait 2 (portrait 2 after Weeseman et al 16 …”

“…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 13,14,16 …”