Use of online cultural content for mental health and well-being during COVID-19 restrictions: cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Aims and method To gain a deeper understanding of the use of online culture and its potential benefits to mental health and well-being, sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported data on usage, perceived mental health benefits and health status were collected in an online cross-sectional survey during COVID-19 restrictions in the UK in June–July 2020. Results In total, 1056 people completed the survey. A high proportion of participants reported finding online culture helpful for mental health; all but one of the benefits were associated with regular use and some with age. Reported benefits were wide-ranging and interconnected. Those aged under 25 years were less likely to be regular users of online culture or to have increased their use during lockdown. Clinical implications There may be benefits in targeting cultural resources for mental health to vulnerable groups such as young adults.

Digital Arts And Culture For Mental Health In People Aged 16-24: A Qualitative Interview Study

“…This study demonstrates that young adults believed that DAC could be an engaging and e cacious way of supporting mental health. Of note is the importance of representation and equitable access which must be addressed to realise the full public health potential of DAC [11]. DAC has the potential to reach the volumes of young people with threshold and subthreshold CMDs who currently do not seek help.…”

“…A qualitative interview study was chosen in order to gain a rich description of the views of young people about DAC for mental health, whether this was a promising approach for supporting their mental health and to give them the opportunity to raise issues of signi cance to them. Participants aged 16-24 were purposefully sampled from an online survey of community engagement for mental health and wellbeing [11]. As per the survey, DAC was de ned as online content provided by cultural institutions, such as museums, theatres, art galleries, libraries, archives and natural heritage organisations.…”

“…The initial online survey [11] included items to elicit socio-demographic characteristics and psychological distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) [14] to give an indication of probable mental disorder (K10) [15]. We utilised purposeful sampling techniques [16] to recruit participants until data saturation was reached.…”

Online arts and culture for mental health in young people: a qualitative interview study

“…This study demonstrates that young people believed that OAC could be an engaging and e cacious way of supporting mental health. Of note is the importance of representation and equitable access which must be addressed to realise the full public health potential of OAC [26]. OAC has the potential to reach the volumes of young people with threshold and subthreshold CMDs who currently do not seek help.…”

“…A qualitative interview study was chosen in order to gain a rich description of the views of young people about OAC for mental health, whether this was a promising approach for supporting their mental health and to give them the opportunity to raise issues of signi cance to them. Participants aged 16-24 were purposefully sampled from an online survey of community engagement for mental health and wellbeing [26]. As per the survey, OAC was de ned as online content provided by cultural institutions, such as museums, theatres, art galleries, libraries, archives and natural heritage organisations.…”