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Tunçgenç B, Greig EJ, Cohen E. Benefits of an online group dance program for adolescents' social bonding and wellbeing. J Adolesc 2024. [PMID: 39148201 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Covid-19 pandemic and its ensuing effects on mental health made it clearer than ever that social bonds are critical for survival, flourishing, and mental wellbeing. Experimental laboratory-based research with children and adults shows that activities involving movement alignment and joint action, such as dance, can facilitate social bonds. METHODS This study examined whether an online group dance intervention positively affects social bonding and wellbeing using a randomized control design. Participants were 58 UK adolescents aged 11-16 years (N = 52 girls, 75% White, 7% Asian/Asian British, 18% Mixed-Other), randomly assigned to an online intervention or waitlist control group. Participants in the intervention group completed an online 5-week hip-hop dance program during the Covid-19 pandemic in January to February 2021. Measures of social bonding, wellbeing, and future orientation were taken at the beginning and end of the program. RESULTS Linear mixed model analyses examining group × timepoint interaction showed greater increase in social bonding (p < .0001), and wellbeing (p < .0001) in the intervention vs control group. Moreover, increases in bonding significantly predicted increases in wellbeing (p < .0001), and increases in bonding (p = .03) and wellbeing (p = .0002) significantly predicted increases in the adolescents' hope for the future. CONCLUSIONS These data, collected at a time of mass social isolation, show that a 5-week-long online dance activity can help adolescents forge stronger social bonds, and improve their wellbeing and future orientation. Our findings suggest that the wellbeing and future orientation benefits of group dance may stem from having stronger social connectedness, opening up avenues for future research and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Tunçgenç
- Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
- Institute of Human Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Emma Cohen
- Institute of Human Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Jensen A, Holt N, Honda S, Bungay H. The impact of arts on prescription on individual health and wellbeing: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1412306. [PMID: 39045154 PMCID: PMC11264378 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1412306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The evidence-base for the impact of participating in the arts for different aspects of health and wellbeing is growing. Arts on Prescription has gained increasing recognition as a method for fostering connections among individuals and communities, however, to date no systematic review of the impact on individual health and wellbeing has been conducted. This review aims to provide an understanding of individual health and wellbeing outcomes from participation in Arts on Prescription programmes. Methods Major electronic databases were systematically searched, including Cochrane Library; Web of Science; ProQuest; CINAHL; Arts & Humanities; Ebsocohost; Pubmed; PsycINFO. Other databases were also used: Google Scholar and websites of specific organizations, e.g., NHS Evidence, Kings Fund, Health foundation, Nuffield Trust and NESTA and University of Florida Arts-in Medicine Repository. The review used PRISMA reporting structures. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) templates were used for qualitative and quantitative studies, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for studies with a mixed methods protocol to assess quality and risk of bias. A narrative review of the qualitative data was conducted. For quantitative outcomes, a meta-analysis for studies that met inclusion criteria was conducted, and a narrative review made of secondary and heterogeneous outcomes and approaches. Results 7,805 records were identified but only 25 records were included as studies with a focus on the impact on individual health and wellbeing. Studies were conducted in Australia, Denmark, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States. Programmes were held in community settings, arts venues, GP surgeries, primary healthcare settings, and one school. Most interventions varied from 8 to 10 weeks and included a wide range of different arts activities. Qualitative themes included social benefits, psychological benefits and progression opportunities. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in wellbeing, and the narrative review identified promising outcomes that require further evidential support (e.g., reductions in anxiety and depression). Discussion Arts on Prescription programmes are an appropriate intervention for improving psychosocial wellbeing, providing both social and psychological benefits as well as progression opportunities. We discuss the various qualitative and quantitative outcomes, along with potential 'active ingredients' and barriers to participation (physical, psychological and social). Systematic review registration PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023408974, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023408974.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Jensen
- Clinical Research Center, Social Medicine and Health Policy, Department of Clinical Science and Centre for Primary Health Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
- National Competence Center for Culture, Health and Care, Nord Universitet, Levanger, Norway
| | - Nicola Holt
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sayaka Honda
- General Internal Medicine, St Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hilary Bungay
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine, Social Care, and Education, School of Allied and Public Health, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
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Dadswell A, Bungay H, Acton F, Walshe N. Branching out: mobilizing community assets to support the mental health and wellbeing of children in primary schools. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1386181. [PMID: 39005988 PMCID: PMC11239542 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1386181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mobilizing existing creative, cultural and community assets is seen as a crucial pathway to improving public health. Schools have been identified as key institutional community assets and arts-in-nature practice has been shown to promote children's mental health. The 'Branching Out' research investigated how an established arts-in-nature practice called 'Artscaping' could be scaled up through the mobilization of community assets including school staff and local volunteers to reach more children in primary schools. Methods The Branching Out model was piloted in six primary schools across Cambridgeshire with 'Community Artscapers' delivering 1.5-h Artscaping sessions with children outdoors for 8 weeks. Interviews were conducted with 11 Community Artscapers (six school staff and five volunteers) and four school leaders reflecting on their experiences of the Branching Out model and the data was subject to a reflexive thematic analysis. Results The findings presented here discuss themes relating to mobilizing community assets, including framing the opportunity, recruiting and sustaining volunteers, training and supporting Community Artscapers, and tensions in roles and responsibilities. They also cover impacts for the children, including mental health provision, freedom in creativity and being outside, personal development, emotional impacts, and social connection, as well as impacts for the Community Artscapers, including making a difference, emotional wellbeing, personal and professional development, and connection and community. Discussion These findings are considered in terms of their alignment with public health policy drivers and the potential for the Branching Out model to become replicable and self-sustaining across schools to promote children's mental health as a public health intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dadswell
- School of Allied Health and Social Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Hilary Bungay
- School of Allied Health and Social Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Faye Acton
- Veterans and Families Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Walshe
- Institute of Education, Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Shaughnessy N, Herbert R, Williams E, Walduck J, von Jungenfeld R, Newman H. Playing with data differently: engaging with autism and gender through participatory arts/music and a performative framework for analysis. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1324036. [PMID: 38957882 PMCID: PMC11218808 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1324036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
There are increasing demands for Participatory Arts-Based (PAB) programs involved in health research to better evidence outcomes using robust quantitative evaluation methodologies taken from science, such as standardized questionnaires, to inform commissioning and scale-up decisions. However, for PAB researchers trying to do this, barriers arise from fundamental interdisciplinary differences in values and contexts. Researchers are required to navigate the tensions between the practice-based evidence produced by the arts and the evidence-based practice sought by psychologists. Consequently, there is a need for interdisciplinary arts-science collaborations to produce alternative methods of evaluation that are better aligned to PAB approaches, and which combine systematic rigor with a sensitivity to the values, contexts and strengths of this approach. The current article centers on the development of an alternative transdisciplinary analytic tool, the Participatory arts Play Framework (PP-Framework), undertaken as part of an arts-psychology collaboration for a UK AHRC-funded PAB research project: Playing A/Part: Investigating the identities and experiences of autistic girls. We present details of three stages in the development of the PP-Framework: 1. preliminary emergence of the framework from initial video analysis of observational data from participatory music and sound workshops run for 6 adolescent autistic girls (aged 11-16); 2. identification and application of modes of engagement; and 3. further testing of the framework as an evaluation tool for use in a real-world setting, involving professional musicians engaged in delivery of a creative music project at a center for homeless people. The PP-Framework maps types of participation in terms of performative behaviors and qualities of experience, understood as modes of play. It functions as a vehicle for analyzing participant engagement, providing a tool predicated on the processes of working in creative participatory contexts while also being sensitive to the esthetic qualities of what is produced and capable of capturing beneficial changes in engagement. It offers a conceptual approach for researchers to undertake observation of participatory arts practices, taking account of embodied engagement and interaction processes. It is informed by understandings of autistic performativity and masking in conjunction with an ecological understanding of sense making as being shaped by environments, social relations and sensing subjectivity. The framework has the potential to be a bi-directional tool, with application for both practitioners and participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth Herbert
- Department of Music & Audio Technology, School of Arts, University of Kent, Medway, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Williams
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Jackie Walduck
- Department of Academic Studies, Royal Academy of Music, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hannah Newman
- School of Arts, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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Williams E, Glew S, Newman H, Kapka A, Shaughnessy N, Herbert R, Walduck J, Foster A, Cooke P, Pethybridge R, Shaughnessy C, Hugh-Jones S. Practitioner Review: Effectiveness and mechanisms of change in participatory arts-based programmes for promoting youth mental health and well-being - a systematic review. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:1735-1764. [PMID: 37859504 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participatory arts-based (PAB) programmes refer to a diverse range of community programmes involving active engagement in the creation process that appear helpful to several aspects of children's and young people's (CYP) mental health and well-being. This mixed-methods systematic review synthesises evidence relating to the effectiveness and mechanisms of change in PAB programmes for youth. METHOD Studies were identified following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach. Eleven electronic databases were searched for studies of PAB programmes conducted with CYP (aged 4-25 years), which reported mental health and well-being effectiveness outcomes and/or mechanisms of change. A mixed-methods appraisal tool assessed study quality. A narrative synthesis was conducted of effectiveness and challenges in capturing this. Findings relating to reported mechanisms of change were integrated via a metasummary. RESULTS Twenty-two studies were included. Evidence of effectiveness from quantitative studies was limited by methodological issues. The metasummary identified mechanisms of change resonant with those proposed in talking therapies. Additionally, PAB programmes appear beneficial to CYP by fostering a therapeutic space characterised by subverting restrictive social rules, communitas that is not perceived as coercive, and inviting play and embodied understanding. CONCLUSIONS There is good evidence that there are therapeutic processes in PAB programmes. There is a need for more transdisciplinary work to increase understanding of context-mechanism-outcome pathways, including the role played by different art stimuli and practices. Going forward, transdisciplinary teams are needed to quantify short- and long-term mental health and well-being outcomes and to investigate optimal programme durations in relation to population and need. Such teams would also be best placed to work on resolving inter-disciplinary methodological tensions.
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Sonke J, Manhas N, Belden C, Morgan-Daniel J, Akram S, Marjani S, Oduntan O, Hammond G, Martinez G, Davidson Carroll G, Rodriguez AK, Burch S, Colverson AJ, Pesata V, Fancourt D. Social prescribing outcomes: a mapping review of the evidence from 13 countries to identify key common outcomes. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1266429. [PMID: 38020134 PMCID: PMC10660286 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1266429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As a means for supporting a range of health and wellbeing goals, social prescribing programs have been implemented around the world. Reflecting a range of contexts, needs, innovation, and programing, a broad array of outcomes has been studied in relation to these programs. As interest in social prescribing grows, more targeted study of key outcomes and in turn evidence synthesis that can inform evidence-based practice, policy, and investment is needed. Methods and Results This mapping review identified, described, and synthesized the broad array of social prescribing outcomes that have been studied in 13 countries and maps the outcomes that have been most commonly studied. From 87 articles included in this review, a total of 347 unique outcomes were identified, including 278 unique patient outcomes and 69 unique system outcomes. The most commonly studied categories of patient outcomes were found to be mental health, lifestyle and behavior, and patient/service user experience. The most commonly studied system outcomes were healthcare/service utilization and financial/economic outcomes. Discussion This review highlights the value of heterogeneity and mixed methods approaches in outcomes studies for capturing nuanced experiences and outcomes in this nascent area of practice, while contributing to the advancement of evidence synthesis for social prescribing globally by quantifying and offering insight into the outcomes that have been studied to date. It also lays a foundation for the development of key common outcomes and a Core Outcomes Set for social prescribing. Additionally, it identified key outcomes that, given their relationship to critical health and social issues, warrant both broader and deeper study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Sonke
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Nico Manhas
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Cassandra Belden
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jane Morgan-Daniel
- Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Seher Akram
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Stefany Marjani
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Oluwasanmi Oduntan
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Gabrielle Hammond
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Gabriella Martinez
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Gray Davidson Carroll
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Alexandra K. Rodriguez
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Shanaé Burch
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Aaron J. Colverson
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- School of Music, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Virginia Pesata
- Center for Arts in Medicine, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Daisy Fancourt
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Blodgett JM, Birch JM, Musella M, Harkness F, Kaushal A. What Works to Improve Wellbeing? A Rapid Systematic Review of 223 Interventions Evaluated with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scales. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15845. [PMID: 36497919 PMCID: PMC9737992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) is a commonly used scale of mental wellbeing focusing entirely on the positive aspect of mental health. It has been widely used in a broad range of clinical and research settings, including to evaluate if interventions, programmes or pilots improve wellbeing. We aimed to systematically review all interventions that used WEMWBS and evaluate which interventions are the most effective at improving wellbeing. METHODS Eligible populations included children and adults, with no health or age restrictions. Any intervention study was eligible if the wellbeing outcome was measured using the 7 or 14-item WEMWBS scale assessed both pre- and post-intervention. We identified eligible intervention studies using three approaches: a database search (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PyschInfo and Web of Science from January 2007 to present), grey literature search, and by issuing a call for evidence. Narrative synthesis and random-effects meta-analysis of standardised mean differences in the intervention group were used to summarise intervention effects on WEMWBS score. RESULTS We identified 223 interventions across 209 studies, with a total of 53,834 participants across all studies. Five main themes of interventions were synthesised: psychological (n = 80); social (n = 54); arts, culture and environment (n = 29); physical health promotion (n = 18); and other (n = 28). Psychological interventions based on resilience, wellbeing or self-management techniques had the strongest effect on wellbeing. A broad range of other interventions were effective at improving mental wellbeing, including other psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy, psychoeducation and mindfulness. Medium to strong effects were also seen for person-centred support/advice (social), arts-based, parenting (social) and social prescribing interventions. However, a major limitation of the evidence was that only 75 (36%) of studies included a control group. CONCLUSIONS WEMWBS has been widely used to assess wellbeing across a diverse range of interventions, settings and samples. Despite substantial heterogeneity in individual intervention design, delivery and groups targeted, results indicate that a broad range of intervention types can successfully improve wellbeing. Methodological changes, such as greater use of control groups in intervention evaluation, can help future researchers and policy makers further understand what works for mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M. Blodgett
- Kohlrabi Consulting, Manchester SK4 3HJ, UK
- Institute of Sport Exercise & Health, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London W1T 7HA, UK
| | - Jack M. Birch
- Kohlrabi Consulting, Manchester SK4 3HJ, UK
- Homerton College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 8PH, UK
| | | | | | - Aradhna Kaushal
- Kohlrabi Consulting, Manchester SK4 3HJ, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
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