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The drive towards living well with dementia has resulted in a growing recognition of the value of community-based participatory arts activities. This review aimed to explore their overall impact and holistic benefits for people with early to moderate stages of dementia. Using a scoping review methodology and thematic analysis, this review explored relevant literature published between 2008 and 2019. 26 published papers were identified, comprising visual arts, literary arts, comedy, music and dance. The key themes included person-centred, in-the-moment approaches; participation and communication; attention and cognition; social cohesion and relationships; and the role of space, place and objects. There is strong evidence in support of using participatory arts for dementia, regardless of art form. In-the-moment and person-centred approaches were deemed impactful. Further research is needed to explore the importance of setting, material culture and the methodological or theoretical perspectives in participatory arts and dementia research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A qualitative systematic review was undertaken to identify the therapeutic impact of arts-based activities as experienced by adults sexually abused in childhood. Sixteen studies, identified through a systematic search protocol , were included in a thematic synthesis. Quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Arts-based activities were identified as offering a safe space, in which to find a voice, to engage in self-exploration, and to communicate experience and connect with others where a new sense of self and empowerment could emerge. Creative activities can play a significant role in the unique paths to recovery that sexual abuse survivors develop. Limitations to the review derive from the small number of papers, methodological weaknesses of the studies and the variation in focus. More research is needed into impact of specific media, and barriers and enablers to using creative activities as a resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details findings from a project on the potential for arts activities and art therapy to support the mental health and wellbeing of children living in Kashmir. The intervention engaged 30 school children over the course of one year who produced various forms of artwork and performances. In this paper, we report on project impacts, drawing on some of our qualitative measures including observations and interviews. Our research details impacts and improvements in areas of emotional expression, belonging, and agency. We also found an important role for schools to create safe, secure, and caring spaces to allow students to express themselves and work through traumatic feelings in a non-judgemental way. School-based arts interventions can play an important role in the mental health and wellbeing of children. Critical here, however, are dedicated space, time, and resources to provide a supportive environment and to sustain activity in long-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The creative process potentially complements the ABI condition. Given the potential of art to empower people with impaired cognitive capacity and communication skills, it was hypothesized that art therapy techniques could be used to ascertain the perspective of adults with ABI surrounding their housing and support preferences. Method:Visual research methods informed the research protocol reported in this paper. Participants’ pictures were created mainly using pastels on paper. Eight people (3 adults with ABI; 4 non-family paid carers; 1 researcher as participant observer) participated in this pilot study. Qualitative rigour was achieved by addressing the four principles of trustworthiness. Results:By analysing participants’ creative works in their entirety (i.e. image, text, and visual storytelling), key attributes of the ideal home or environment for adults with ABI were identified. The piloted arts-based process was also reflected upon. Conclusions:Art processes may give voice to people with limited capacity to verbalize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While dance programs for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) have been developed globally over the past two decades, dance programs for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are just emerging. This article introduces three dance for MS programs and a multi-site partnership that was developed to evaluate and advance a model for dance for MS programs. The program partners convened over 2 days to share program models, consider current and planned program evaluations, and identify unique challenges and promising practices for delivering safe and effective dance for MS programs. This paper presents the findings of this convening and recommendations for dance for MS programs. Background:While dance programs for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) have been developed globally over the past two decades, dance programs for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are just emerging. This article introduces three dance for MS programs and a multi-site partnership that was developed to evaluate and advance a model for dance for MS programs. Methods: The program partners convened over 2 days to share program models, consider current and planned program evaluations, and identify unique challenges and promising practices for delivering safe and effective dance for MS programs. Results:A set of promising practices for dance for MS programs, including recommendations for partnership, dance and movement approaches, and environmental, physical and psychosocial considerations, was developed by the program partners. Conclusions: These programs suggest that dance may be a useful modality for people with MS. Recommendations are offered to guide safe and evidence-based dance for MS practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social capital is often cited as shaping impacts of participatory arts, although the concept has not been systematically mapped in arts, health and wellbeing contexts. In wider health inequalities research, complex, differential, and sometimes negative impacts of social capital have been recognised. This paper maps of social capital concepts in qualitative research as part of the UK What Works for Wellbeing evidence review programme on culture, sport and wellbeing. Studies often cite positive impacts of bonding and, to a lesser extent, bridging social capital. However, reported challenges suggest the need for a critical approach. Forms of linking social capital, such as reframing and political engagement to address social divisions, are less often cited but may be important in participatory arts and wellbeing. Future research should further specify dimensions of social capital as well as their nuanced effects in arts, and wellbeing contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creative outputs engage the public and can be used to share research. This paper reports on public engagement activities that were part of the research project Dementia and Imagination (D&I). We found that artwork and creative activities effectively engaged a range of audiences and challenged negative ideas about dementia. For the project team, public engagement developed relationships with collaborators and connected the research to different community settings, influencing future programmes of work. Further work could explore public engagement in diverse settings to assess which approaches are effective in maximising research value and wider community benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper reports findings from a one-year UK knowledge exchange (KE) project completed in 2015. Stakeholders’ experiences of evaluation were explored in order to develop online resources to strengthen knowledge and capacity within the arts and health sector (www.creativeandcredible.co.uk). Methods: The project used mixed methods, including a survey, interviews and focus groups, guided by a Stakeholder Reference Group comprised of 26 leading UK evaluators, researchers, artists, health professionals, commissioners and funders. Results: The project identified opportunities for arts arising from current health and social care policy agendas. It also identified challenges including the lack of agreed evaluation frameworks and difficulties in evaluation practice. Conclusions: Co-production between stakeholders is needed to strengthen evaluation practice and support the development of the arts and health sector. Effective co-production can be undermined by structural and cultural barriers as well as unequal stakeholder relationships. The paper discusses recent initiatives designed to support best practice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: This paper explores previous research on art programming used within medical settings and program evaluations in this field. This paper will also describe a recently conducted research study evaluating the Arts For Life organization who sought out this research partnership in order to evaluate their standing with their programing goals. Methods: Collaboration between Arts For Life and Mars Hill University was established and a survey was developed in order to evaluate Arts For Life programming. Surveys were distributed and collected at the four Arts For Life stations. A total of 115 surveys were successfully completed and analyzed. Results: Resulted in positive responses supporting current Arts For Life programming. Conclusions: Arts For Life is viewed as providing a positive effect in the facilities where it is stationed. This research collaboration can likewise be used as a model for future partnerships between nonprofit organizations and undergraduate programs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: This paper responds to calls for more lived experience research with a vitalist-materialist style of analysis inspired by Deleuze and Guattari. It challenges traditional understandings of art as a therapy associated with medical and psychological perceptions of schizophrenia, which have been found to be reductive. Methods: Using Deleuze and Guattari's relational assemblages, the flows of affect are mapped as bodies and things, ideas and sensations connect and disconnect through the community arts sense-event "Schizy Jam". Results: Opening a much broader territory for understanding the many ways that art can express, affirm and communicate difference, enables exploration of new ways in which art-makers are activating changes in feeling and thinking about schizophrenia. Conclusions: Art-makers can be supported to connect with others with shared experience to find expression for things that have previously been inexpressible and create a world that is more inclusive of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of life in long-term care is a growing concern for clinicians and social scientists. Attention is turning increasingly to the impact of the institutional environment on residents' experience of themselves and others. In an effort to improve residents' experience, distraction and illusion murals are being created to disguise exit doors and decrease exit-seeking behaviour. Most research focuses on the effect on exitseeking behaviour once murals are complete. This paper will discuss benefits for residents in terms of sustained attention and aesthetic awareness, memory and gender identity and community-building that were realized during the painting in situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In line with recovery theories, psychosocial programmes for people diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI) should focus more on well-being and social connectivity outcomes rather than clinical symptoms. This paper assesses the impact of creative workshops participation on the psychological well-being, social connectivity and subjective experience of people diagnosed with SMI. Method: After participating in a creative workshop in a museum, 19 people, including service users, keyworkers, the art facilitator and a psychologist were interviewed. Four observers participated in the workshop and provided information about the creative process by means of a discussion group. Data were analysed in accordance with thematic analysis methodology and triangulated in order to obtain reliability. Results: Five essential categories were identified: learning process, social connection, psychological well-being, institutional change and mutual recovery. Conclusions: Creative activities may cause a transformation of the image of dysfunction associated with mental illness as well as promoting health and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arts in healthcare in the United States is a field emerged from grassroots beginnings in the mid-twentieth century. Through an overview of the field's development as well as consideration of practice, research, and educational structures, this paper summarizes the current state of the field in the United States. Practice is explored in the context of types of programs, recent field assessments, geographic prevalence of programs, funding mechanisms, and organization of the field. Research is considered in the context of evaluation, traditional research, economic studies, theoretical frameworks, and academic centers, as well as non-academic centers that support field research. The final section explores education and training standards and programs conducted by universities and non-academic organizations, and the roles of the arts and humanities in the education of health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the known benefits of art therapy, there are a limited number of studies on art therapy for tic disorders. This pilot randomised controlled study investigated effects of art as a relaxation technique for tic disorders. Twenty-two children aged 7–9 years were randomly allocated to art intervention (n= 11) and control (n= 11) groups. Pre– and post-test measurements included the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and Hassles Scale for Children (HSC). Art as relaxation significantly decreased the YGTSS total score, motor tic frequency, motor tic intensity, motor tic complexity, vocal tic complexity, and total daily stressors compared to the control group. The intervention group showed significantly greater physiological relaxation, as indicated by increases in HRV parameters. Art appears to be an effective relaxation technique for tic disorders. Extensive research is necessary for rigorous examination of its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer strongly impacts on patients' lives, undermining their life skills. This research aimed to explore the perception of efficacy of participants in a series of expressive-creative workshops (ArtLab) designed to reactivate life skills in cancer patients. Quotations of two semi-structured focus groups with ten participants in ArtLab (Mean Age = 59; SD = 11.19) enrolled at [Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori] have been analyzed through a priori (top-down) thematic analysis which allowed us to identify life skills provided by WHO 1948: Emotional, Relational and Cognitive. Thematic analysis showed ArtLab program's effectiveness, especially regarding Emotional and Relational life skills. Cognitive skills, instead, seemed to be only partially expressed. Sub-themes articulation for each life skill has been discussed. This study provides encouraging results with respect to the effectiveness of expressive-creative group workshops among cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undocumented immigrants and refugees are more likely to suffer from psychosocial disorders. In this pilot study, an art-based intervention is described and assessed, with a sample of 11undocumented immigrants who recently came to southern Spain on a small boat. The art-based intervention is assessed using a pre-post design and four questionnaires, which consist of The General Health Questionnaire, Beck's Depression Inventory, the Barcelona Immigrant Stress Scale and Carol Ryff's Psychological Well Being Scale. Furthermore, five participants were interviewed before and after the intervention and a thematic analysis of the transcriptions was carried out. A significant reduction of depressive symptoms with a large effect size was found. An increase of reflexive discourse and the feeling of belonging after the intervention was also observed. The study suggests that the art-based intervention decreased depressive symptoms and stress, redirecting the narratives of the participants towards the future and increasing the sense of community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arts-based programs can counter the dominant narrative of loss associated with dementia, in part through fostering expressions of agency. This study uses social science theories of interaction between structure and agency to examine how an arts-based movement program, entitled Mouvement de passage, supports agency among individuals with dementia. Ethnographic methods were used to trace how participants enact agency within the structure of the movement program. The program's sessions were video recorded and iteratively analyzed. Participants expressed their agency in three ways: 1) transforming the exercise's structure according to individual interests and desires; 2) resisting the exercise's structure; and 3) improvising movements collectively. The movements of individuals with dementia were shaped by both program structure and individual/collective expressions of agency. The design of Mouvement de passage, based on open-ended structures and voluntary participation, provides a template for developing interventions that foster agency among these persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been increasing interest in dementia, the arts and creativity across different disciplines in recent years, with previous literature illustrating the benefits of visual arts for people with dementia. A mixed-methods, quasi-experimental, pre/post design to assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a newly developed therapeutic, person-centred visual art intervention for people with dementia attending a day care centre or residing in an assisted living facility. Five themes were identified from the interviews. Two themes reflected the feasibility/acceptability and the perceived impacts of the intervention, and three themes represented perceived successful elements: participant choice, socialisation and mentally stimulating activities. The quantitative data tentatively indicated enhanced social functioning and quality of life scores post-intervention. These findings indicate that engagement with visual art is effective for people with dementia, and taking into account the factors that impact on feasibility and acceptability will promote future robust evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many patients with end-stage kidney disease require haemodialysis, a treatment that requires attending hospital three times a week for four hours each visit. This treatment impacts profoundly on mental health. Arts-based interventions for patients receiving haemodialysis could address the impact of this treatment; however, there is no consensus on methods of implementation and mechanisms underlying these interventions in specific clinical contexts. Using a realist approach, relevant articles were synthesised to inform theory relating to the mechanism and implementation of complex arts-based interventions for haemodialysis patients. The theoretical framework includes two implementation phases, firstly delivery of person-centred art activities during haemodialysis and secondly, display of completed artwork. This intervention triggers mechanisms including flow and social capital. Implementation is hindered by constraints of the haemodialysis unit and patients' lack of confidence in their artistic skills. These issues can be addressed through aflexible approach to implementation and support from healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We examine the experience of participating in creative arts groups for Palestinians living under the shadow of military conflict. Methods: 14 men and women aged 17–50 were recruited from community creative arts groups to participate in one of three semi-structured group interviews. Interviews explored participants' perceptions of the creative arts groups, including how they came to participate in the group and how they felt about their involvement. Results: An inductive thematic analysis identified three central themes: "An emptying", "Growth in the face of challenge", and "A rare freedom". The themes capture the extreme challenges participants faced and the protective effects of the creative arts groups on wellbeing. Participating in creative arts activities, such as writing, drawing, and music, encourages self-expression and release, personal exploration and escapism. Conclusions: In the face of traumatic experiences, restrictions, and poverty associated with living in an occupied land, creative arts groups can be liberating and support wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a single group session based on art therapy (AT) for adult cancer patients to reduce anxiety and distress before anticancer treatment. Methods: A non-randomized pre-post study design was adopted. Sixty-two patients took part in one of twenty-seven "one-off" sessions held over a four-month period. Sixty-six patients, who simply received routine medical treatment, served as the control group (CG). Results: The intervention was appropriate to patients' needs and feasible in the context of their routine medical care. In contrast to the CG, the intervention group(IG) participants demonstrated a decrease in symptoms of anxiety, drowsiness and tiredness. Conclusions: The intervention proved suitable to the medical routine of patients' care. The clinical implications of the AT protocol and future research aimed at testing it vs. a different type of psychosocial intervention in a randomized controlled study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. Even though emerging evidence suggests that participation in arts-based group programs are helpful in supporting mental health, the field lacks an established theorical framework. This study explored the extent to which participants' experiences of singing or creative writing groups aligned with theorising proposed by the social cure approach.. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 choir members, and 23 creative writing group members with chronic mental health conditions at two time points. Transcripts of the interviews were examined by four coders using thematic analysis.. Consistent with social cure theorising, participation in the choir and creative writing group facilitated meeting participants' needs for belonging, support, self-efficacy, purpose, and positive emotions.. This study demonstrated the psychosocial mechanisms by which participation in arts-based groups can enhance mental health. We conclude that engagement with the social cure framework may be useful to structure practice in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Being involved in an artistic intervention is related to employeesinterest to do work tasks in other ways and to develop new professional skills. These proactive changes, job crafting, that employees make to their work conditions increase work-related well-being, work engagement. Methods: This two-wave quasi-experimental intervention study investigated whether a visual art intervention enhanced the crafting of job resources (skill variety) and increased work engagement. The study was conducted among employees (n = 21) working in five comprehensive schools and in four day-care centers over a 1-month intervention. Employees not involved in the interventions served as the control group (n = 19). Results: Repeated measures ANOVAs showed no significant interaction effects. However, pre–post comparison tests showed that, unexpectedly, the participants' work engagement significantly decreased, and skill variety tentatively diminished. Qualitative feedback revealed some shortcomings in the implementation of the intervention. Conclusions: In the case of insufficient operation, the intervention may even have reverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is currently no consensus regarding the definition and description of arts interventions for people with dementia. Developing a common language of classification will encourage reflection on artistic practice, support the evaluation and improvement of arts interventions, and enable their benefits to be communicated more effectively. Methods: Using a qualitative framework derived from taxonomy and realist methodology, a literature review was undertaken to identify what key principles underpin arts interventions. This analysis was complemented by focus groups and workshops incorporating the lived experience of carers, artists, practitioners and care staff. Results: Nine principles were identified as elements present in person-centred arts interventions for people with dementia: Animation, Transcendence, Selfhood, Humanity, Expression, Connection, Possibility, Involvement and Awareness. Conclusions: It is possible to identify the component parts of arts interventions for people with dementia. These principles form an empirical basis for understanding how arts interventions work, while still respecting their individual nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visual art therapy has been widely used with children with medical health conditions within various settings. However, less is known about its effectiveness. The scope of this systematic review is to shed light on what benefit art therapy may have for ill health adjustment in youth populations. Methods: Electronic databases (Psychinfo, Medline, CINAHL, ERIC, Scopus, Embase and Child and Adolescent Studies) were searched (1806–2017). Systematic methods for study selection and data extraction were used. Results: Twelve studies (N = 404 participants, 318 in the control group; aged between 2 and 19 years old, with various medical conditions) were included. Ten studies reported significant improvements concerning at least one outcome with an overall inconclusive trend toward effectiveness. Conclusions: Visual art therapy interventions were found weak in evidence quality. However, future evidence-based research designs could show the effectiveness of these interventions in health care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study explores factors affecting the successful facilitation of a residential arts programme. The aim was to identify barriers and describe how they could be overcome, this was both formative, to help shape the programme, and summative, to inform best practice and future arts interventions. Methods: An exploratory qualitative design examined the views of the artists administering the arts programme. Results: Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified; contextual factors, perceiving and responding to needs, facilitating relationships and building confidence. Conclusion: Findings provide insight into practical aspects of facilitating arts programmes in residential care. Some of the identified barriers may have simple solutions which can easily be incorporated into everyday best practice. This research provides a start for understanding the role of artists within care homes and how they aid the implementation and integration of arts programmes into the care of people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Set in the Pacific nation of Samoa, this study contributes knowledge about art, mental health and trauma recovery for people within a non-Western context. A total of 22 youth and young adults from two residential services participated in a six month weekly art programme set within a health promotion context. Methods: Focus group discussions with staff and consumers explored the participant experience of art making. Focus group data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: The study revealed art making in the recovery context supported enhanced levels of self-awareness, a sense of identity, belonging and of being contributors to society. Conclusions: Making art in the group supported participants' sense of voice, empowerment, agency and the capacity to make a social contribution within their respective communities during a period of dislocation from the village and extended family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Art therapy is based on the conception that image making in a therapeutic context may facilitate processes of change. Methods:A semi-structured interview with focus on the image was conducted with 17 women in order to explore change, after which a qualitative content analysis was performed. Results:The women experienced internal change as a sudden, unexpected turning point or as a more gradual process, although some reported no internal change whatsoever. Five themes reflecting the women’s experiences of what was important for internal change emerged: Trust in the therapist, Belief in the method, Creative impulse, Meaning of the image and The art therapy process. Conclusions:Art therapy may contribute to change in the sense of moving from an inadequate to a healthier state. Even when art therapy does not lead to internal change it may be supportive and provide short-term help in everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the first International Research Conference on the Arts and Dementia: Theory, Methodology and Evidence" to be held on March 9-10, 2017 at 28 Portland Place, London W1B1LY, England.

Background:This study investigated the impact of visual art-making on self-reported positive and negative affect and perceived self-efficacy. Study participants included 39 healthy adults aged 18 to 59 years, including 33 women and 6 men. Methods:The study used a mixed methods quasi-experimental (pre–post measurements, no control group) design. The study involved 45 minutes of individual art-making in an open studio format facilitated by an art therapist. Participants completed questionnaires including the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and General Self-Efficacy Scale, before and after the art-making session. At the end of the session, participants provided brief comments about their art-making experience and a narrative summary of their artwork. Results:Results indicate that free art-making in this context significantly lowered negative affect and improved positive affect and self-efficacy. Improved affect was also moderately correlated with improved self-efficacy. There was no difference between groups based on prior experience with art-making, gender, age, or race/ethnicity. Content themes from the participants’ artwork were very diverse including references to nature, people, activities, memories, and abstract explorations of colors and shapes. Discussion/Implications:These preliminary findings indicate the benefits of a brief studio-based art therapy free art-making session on the psychological states of affect and self-efficacy for health adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Placing artwork in hospitals and creating art have been shown to help children cope with the stress of hospitalization. The Vintage Photograph Project combined passive and active arts engagement for an intervention that explored hospitalized children’s interest in and responses to restored vintage photographs.Methods:This descriptive study included a convenience sample of 20 hospitalized children, ages 5–18 in the United States. Drawing accompanied a one-time interview.Results:The photographs were of interest to all participants. Subject matter and feelings drove the child’s choice of favorite photograph. Responses to the photographs were incorporated within five themes: (1) exploring the unfamiliar, (2) seeking the familiar, (3) seeing something cute, (4) finding something funny and (5) liking what they saw. The act of drawing promoted conversation and social interaction; generated humor and stories of family, friends and pets; and resulted in artwork for an interesting hospital art exhibition.Conclusions:Findings suggest that restored vintage photographs are a subject of interest to hospitalized children and are worthy of consideration for comparison studies to determine their potential as positive distractors for hospitalized children. Study methods that incorporated vintage photographs provided an enjoyable and therapeutic intervention for children and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Establishing a sense of shared meaning is related to optimal adjustment for couples faced with cancer. The present study examined couple response to a creative expression exercise designed to facilitate shared meaning construction in young couples affected by breast cancer. Method: Thirteen women diagnosed with breast cancer and their male partners were guided through an original online exercise designed to help facilitate the creative processing of the couple's experience with cancer. All couples’ creative expressions were later subjected to a qualitative content analysis. Results: This analysis yielded two main themes,Existential HardshipandMutual Resilience. The majority of participants indicated that they found the exercise to be beneficial and/or enjoyable. Conclusions: Creating a shared meaning of cancer through an online artistic expression exercise is feasible, and offers a novel approach to supporting the dyadic coping processes of young couples affected by breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:This study was the final phase of a participatory design (PD) project aimed at developing professionally led online art therapy groups for young adults with cancer.Methods:We invited seven professionals with a range of relevant expertise to take part in a PD process that emphasized hands-on creative interaction. Each participant experienced one or more online art therapy sessions and provided feedback that we analyzed with qualitative thematic analysis.Results: The analysis yielded six inter-related themes representing three types of experience (comfort, sense of connectedness and expression) and three types of therapeutic action that supported these experiences (facilitation, group support and dialog about the art).Conclusions: The results assured us that our newly developed mode of psychosocial support was ready for online delivery to young adults with cancer. The results provided insight into therapeutic processes in online art therapy groups, especially with regard to collective meaning-making and sense of connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Art materials have a central role in art therapy. The way a client interacts with art materials – material interaction – is an important source of information in art therapy assessment in adult mental health. The aim of this study was to develop the categories of material interaction and examine the relationship between material interaction, the art product and clients' psychological characteristics. Methods: Three sequential focus groups were conducted, in which 47 art therapists participated. Results: A large number of art therapists recognised that observing material interaction enabled them to gain a perspective on client's psychological functioning. Styles of material interaction could be placed on a continuum from "affective" to "rational" and provided valuable information about a client's affective and rational characteristics. Conclusions: Art therapists were able to describe clients' material interaction and psychological characteristics based on the analysis of the formal elements of the clients' art product. The results provided a preliminary theoretical base for art therapy assessment in adult mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Creative Practices for People with Cancer is a research team experimenting with the popular arts for purpose of improving survivors' quality of life. Popular expressive art forms (e.g. drumming and mask-making) are assessed for their potential value for cancer survivors via surveyed team members and a "sculpting" session. Two themes, social cohesion and new self-identities, emerged from the team's experimentation with the popular, expressive arts. Our experimentation with the popular arts as embodied forms of self-exploration confirms their potential to counter the dominant ideology of cancer as associated with an inevitability of diminished bodies and attenuated selfhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the book "Transforming the Healthcare Experience Through the Arts," by Blair L. Sadler and Annette Ridenour.

Objectives:Visual art is a powerful and expressive communication tool with utility in pediatric settings. We undertook a scoping review to understand how visual arts (e.g. drawing, painting) are used in pediatric populations with health (i.e. medical and psychiatric) conditions.Methods:CINAHL, SCOPUS and PubMed were searched (2001–2011). We used systematic methods for study selection and data extraction. We conducted a descriptive analysis and categorized studies according to the purpose of the artistic intervention.Results:Of 1767 articles retrieved, 16 met the inclusion criteria. Visual art was most commonly used with the conditions of autism and post-traumatic stress disorder. Findings illuminate the use of art visual as a mechanism to facilitate or reduce specific child attributes (e.g. self-efficacy, anxiety) and to facilitate understanding through communication or assessment.Conclusions:This review provides information about the uses of visual art in pediatric populations with health conditions, as well as gaps in existing research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article suggests that the discourse on arts and health encompass contemporary arts practices as an active and engaged analytical activity. Distinctions between arts therapy and arts practice are made to suggest that clinical evidence-based evaluation, while appropriate for arts therapy, is not appropriate for arts practice and in effect cast them in unreasonable doubt. Themes in current discourse on 'arts' and 'health' are broadly sketched to provide a context for discussion of arts practices. Approaches to knowledge validation in relation to each domain are discussed. These discourses are applied to the Irish healthcare context, offering a reading of three different art projects; it suggests a multiplicity of analyses beyond causal positive health gains. It is suggested that the social turn in medicine and the social turn in arts practices share some similar pre-occupations that warrant further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snow City Arts in Chicago has been providing arts programs on pediatric wards for 11 years with a unique purpose. Most hospital-based arts programs are rooted in two different yet important models: recreation or art therapy. Snow City Arts is different in that it puts the focus on learning. As an independent nonprofit organization, it was founded on the simple premise that chronically ill children often miss extended amounts of school because of their need for medical treatments. The organization's success has hinged on the innovative partnerships it has had with a wide array of cultural institutions, local colleges and universities, medical centers, the public school system, and the regional community of professional artists. In 2006 Snow City Arts was recognized by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities for its innovative approach toward hospitalized children when it received the Coming Up Taller Award - awarded each year to the 15 best youth arts programs in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a burgeoning interest in arts and healthcare in recent years, as well as tremendous strides with regard to activities, conferences, and publications. Consideration needs to be given to the basic issues and definitions of the field of arts in healthcare in the United States that will advance this area of endeavor now and for the future, and especially to the following topics: (1) decisions regarding how the discipline of arts in healthcare will evolve, (2) specifications for the professionalization of arts in healthcare, and (3) evidence for the effectiveness of these practices. This article presents a brief review of the first two topics and then presents more detailed information on the current status of research in the field as it relates to demands for evidence-based practice. Results of a meta-analysis on music and music therapy with medical patients are presented, and from this study, an agenda for future research in arts in healthcare is detailed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]