The use of arts interventions for mental health and wellbeing in health settings

Abstract

Based on the growing evidence of the arts as a tool for enhancing mental health wellbeing, and in line with the global challenges in health, we suggest that participatory arts activities and clinical arts interventions are made more widely available in health and social settings. It is well-documented that such activities can be used as non-medical interventions to promote public health and wellbeing.

Health and well-being: art therapy for health professionals working in outpatient care settings

“…Accustomed to interacting with problems and suffering of various kinds, when having the opportunity to talk about his/her participation in the art therapy process, the health professional expresses how healthy and pleasant the experience was, permeated by moments of relaxation and lightness in the work environment. There is growing evidence of the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing stress, anxiety and mood improvement in different populations and contexts of applicability, from its different modalities such as dance, music and manual artistic interventions, 9,24 the latter being used in this study.…”

“…This benefit is also reported in studies that indicate the improvement and strengthening of relationships in the workplace after the health team's engagement in artistic activities. 8,9 Art therapy workshops can foster closer ties, creating greater trust and intimacy even among people who already had a friendly relationship, as researches conducted with athletes 25 and also with health professionals show. 8 It should be considered that interactions between team members do not always occur in a climate of tranquility and cooperation, 26 and the conflicting relationship with the boss and colleagues is pointed as one of the major factors that generate psychological distress, anxiety and stress for the professional.…”

“…Studies have also found positive effects such as stress reduction, mood enhancement, increased work performance, burnout reduction and feeling of well-being. 7,9 Based on the numerous benefits described, a literature review suggests that arts programs be inserted into health care settings, particularly because of the holistic characteristic, low cost and the potential for promoting public mental health and well-being to all involved. 9 However, there are still gaps that point to the need for further research with more robust evidence of its impact on the health system.…”

“…7,9 Based on the numerous benefits described, a literature review suggests that arts programs be inserted into health care settings, particularly because of the holistic characteristic, low cost and the potential for promoting public mental health and well-being to all involved. 9 However, there are still gaps that point to the need for further research with more robust evidence of its impact on the health system. 24 Accordingly, there is a movement of recognition and inclusion of arts and culture as a strategy for general health promotion in the Nordic countries.…”

“…8 The engagement of health professionals in artistic activities, such as art therapy programs, emerges as a possibility to meet the global health challenge proposed by WHO: the population's mental health care. 1,9 Art therapy can be applied to individuals or groups in various places and contexts, and uses artistic expression as a therapeutic process, being able to promote the improvement of quality of life, personal development and contribute to mental health, 10 which is defined as a state of well-being in which each individual realizes his or her own potential and can cope with normal life tensions, work productively, and contribute to the community. 11 Recognized as a professional occupation, the art therapy approach was recently included in the National Policy for Integrative and Complementary Practices (NPICP), Ordinance No.…”