I just finished watching Paper Tigers and one thing that I found very interesting was how many of the students found art as an expressive outlet. Some students found that drawing, writing or listening to music was what was keeping them alive. I think if we were all to reflect on a time where we sat down and started to draw or listen to our favorite song many can probably relate to that sense of release. I was compelled to do some further research and found a review by Stuckey and Nobel from 2010. The review explored current literature on the connection between art, healing and public health.
"Over that past decade, health psychologists have begun looking at how the arts might be a useful tool in healing emotional injuries, increase understanding of oneself and others and to develop a capacity for self reflection, reduce symptoms and alter behaviors and thinking patterns" (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).
"They found evidence that engagement with artistic activities, either as an observer of the creative efforts of others or as the initiator, can enhance one's moods, emotions, and other psychological states, as well as have a salient impact on important physiological parameters" (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).
More research is needed on the subject, but creative activities definitely have the potential to contribute toward reducing stress and depression and can serve as an outlet for alleviating the burden of chronic disease and improve health status.
If you would like to read the full article click here...
Reference:
Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263. http://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497
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