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The use of creative activities with people with mental health problems: a survey of occupational therapists
- Authors:
- GRIFFITHS Sue, CORR Susan
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(3), March 2007, pp.107-114.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Creative activities have been used by occupational therapists with people with mental health problems, but limited research has been published about their scope and utility. A cross-sectional survey of occupational therapists working in mental health was conducted to establish how creative activities were being used for purposes other than psychodynamic therapy. Of the 66 respondents, 54 (82%) reported using creative activities, with the majority doing so at least once a week. Diverse activities were identified as being used. The inherent nature of creative activities, their ability to meet specific needs and assist with achieving diverse objectives and their usefulness in both 1:1 and group situations were reasons why these activities were being used by occupational therapists. This research adds to the understanding of the value that occupational therapists place on creative activities in intervention.
The impact of participating in a poetry workshop
- Authors:
- HILSE Christine, GRIFFITHS Sue, CORR Susan
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(10), October 2007, pp.431-438.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Poetry writing is a creative activity and, as such, may contribute to intervention. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of poetry writing on individuals who had experienced mental health problems in the past. A qualitative approach, that of grounded theory, was used, including observations of a poetry writing group and in-depth semi-structured interviews with two group participants who had a previous history of mental health problems. The main categories that emerged during data analysis were creation, communication, connection and awareness; these categories were unified by a central concept of personal meaning. The findings suggest that poetry writing creates and communicates meaning. In addition, internal connection (with self) and external connection (with others) may be facilitated through the communication of poetry. Communication and experiences of connection can lead to a greater awareness of self and others. Personal meaning is central to human life in symbolisation processes, which contribute to identity building. The positive and negative impacts on mental health through the writing of poetry and participating in a group were identified. This is a small study and the findings are valid only in the immediate context of the study, but it provides a basis for further research.