Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Mental health and art
- Author:
- SECKER Jenny
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, May 2011, pp.21-22.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Drawing on the findings from research conducted at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Central Lancashire 2007, the author discusses how art and artistic expression can help to improve mental health. As part of the study case studies were carried out with six diverse projects. Eight processes that were found to benefit participants in the six projects were identified. These were: getting motivated; focusing on art; connecting with others; rebuilding identities; expanding horizons; self-expression; connecting with abilities; and having time out.
Empowerment and arts participation for people with mental health needs
- Authors:
- SECKER Jenny, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 6(4), December 2007, pp.14-23.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article describes an evaluation of arts participation for people with mental health needs that both measured empowerment outcomes and explored the processes by which positive outcomes were achieved, through six qualitative case studies. For the outcomes study, 62 arts and mental health project participants returned a questionnaire soon after joining the project, and six months later. Six diverse arts and mental health projects took part in case studies. Results from the outcomes study showed significant improvements in empowerment and were suggestive of a strong causal link with arts participation. Analysis of the case study interviews revealed five processes through which benefits relating to empowerment were brought about. It is argued that psychological empowerment is in itself important for people with mental health needs. In addition, the case studies indicate that some arts and mental health projects do empower participants at a social as well as individual level.