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Shamri-Zeevi L, Ram-Vlasov N. "When I go back to painting, I am 'Alice in Wonderland": older women coping with age-related crises through visual artmaking. Arts Health 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39219161 DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2024.2399245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The creative process of visual artmaking provides an opportunity for older women to express themselves and explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. This study examined the roles of visual artmaking in older women's lives in general and in relation to the ongoing challenges of aging. METHODS The sample was composed of 21 Israeli women aged 60-90, who indicated that they produced visual artworks on an ongoing basis. The participants' artworks were collected, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. RESULTS A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed 4 themes: visual artmaking to address the challenges of older women's lives, artwork as a framework for doing, visual artmaking to support the wellbeing of older women, artwork as channel of communication and stronger ties with family members. CONCLUSIONS The findings contribute to a better understanding of the roles of visual art in older women's lives, especially in times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neta Ram-Vlasov
- Art Therapy Department, Arts Therapy Research center (BBATRC), Faculty of Counseling, Treatment and Educational Support, Beit Berl academic college, Beit Berl, Israel
- The Interdisciplinary Research Center for Arts and Spirituality: Therapy, Education and Society, Tel Hai academic college, Tel Hai, Israel
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Walker T, Jones T, Grant-Peterkin H, Dave R, Röhricht F. Evaluating Outcomes of a Co-Produced Theatre-Based Experiential Learning Project in Psychiatry. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2024; 11:23821205241278175. [PMID: 39246597 PMCID: PMC11378162 DOI: 10.1177/23821205241278175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The benefits of theatre and arts-based initiatives for enhancing the health and wellbeing of adults, regardless of mental health status, are well-documented. Theatre methodologies offer a platform for co-produced experiential learning, promoting perspective-taking and effective communication among staff and service users. This project aimed to bring together service users and mental health professionals through workshops conducted by an experiential theatre company, focusing on themes such as relationship dynamics, co-production, empowerment and perspective-taking. Notably, the sessions were conducted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The study sought to explore the experiences, learning outcomes and work-related wellbeing benefits of participating in this innovative project. Methods involved inviting East London Foundation Trust members to eight weekly online workshops, culminating in a co-created filmed performance. Interviews conducted 9 months to a year later with participants and facilitators were thematically analysed. RESULTS Results revealed four key themes: (1) personal and collective growth through storytelling and embodied acting experiences; (2) the importance of workshop structure for experiential learning; (3) challenging traditional role definitions through diminished hierarchy; and (4) sustained impacts on time management at work and in personal lives. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, participants valued their involvement, indicating that theatre-based co-produced learning enhances communication and interpersonal skills in mental healthcare settings. These findings suggest the potential for integrating such approaches into healthcare education and training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomos Jones
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Bath, UK
| | | | - Rupal Dave
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Frank Röhricht
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Pitluk Barash M, Elboim-Gabyzon M, Shuper Engelhard E. Investigating the emotional content of older adults engaging in a fall prevention exercise program integrated with dance movement therapy: a preliminary study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1260299. [PMID: 37790228 PMCID: PMC10543662 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1260299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fall prevention interventions for older adults have primarily focused on the physical aspects, overlooking the emotional aspects inherent in falls. This qualitative study presents a novel fall prevention intervention that integrates physical therapy exercise (PTE) based on the Otago Exercise Program with Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) to address the emotional experience during PTE. The aim of this study is to explore the emotional content expressed by older adults during balance-focused exercises and the unique emotional content expressions following the PTE + DMT intervention compared to the PTE intervention. Eleven older adults (aged 81-91 years) from a day center were randomly assigned to either the PTE + DMT group (n = 6) or the PTE group (n = 5). Interpretative phenomenological analysis of the instructors' observations and process diary identified three themes that emerged during the sessions: (1) self-image and self-worth, (2) the individual in relation to others, and (3) past memories. These themes highlight both similarities and differences between the groups. These findings provide valuable insights into the emotional experiences encountered by older adults, particularly in the context of falls prevention practices. Recognizing, understanding, and facilitating the expression of these experiences can enhance the effectiveness of fall prevention interventions and contribute to the overall health of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Pitluk Barash
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Elboim-Gabyzon
- Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Einat Shuper Engelhard
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Bassis D, Rybko J, Maor R. It's never too late to improvise: The impact of theatre improvisation on elderly population. Exp Aging Res 2023; 49:83-99. [PMID: 35358023 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2022.2059208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the availability of improvisational theater training in different settings, studies that assess its effectiveness as a means for enhancing cognitive training for older adults are scarce. This study examines the influence of short theater improvisation exercises on the cognitive flexibility of cognitively-healthy older adults, and their influence on the four core components of improvisation (i.e., spontaneity, flow, creativity, playfulness). The study also examines the correlation between an improvement in these four key agents and an improvement in cognitive flexibility among older adults. This quantitative empirical study was conducted in retirement homes and daycare centers in Israel. A total of 45 participants took part in this study, all in good physical health and with age-appropriate cognitive abilities. The participants were divided into five research groups; each group met twice a week for a one-hour improvisation session over a six-week period. The data was collected through five questionnaires that were completed at four points of time (before, during, and after the workshop). The findings did not indicate a significant effect of the improvisation exercises on the participants' cognitive flexibility, yet they did show improvement in three components of improvisation: spontaneity, flow, playfulness. As such, the findings of this study indicate that despite a normal decline in basic cognitive functioning among older adults, the beneficial effect of improvisation on cognitive flexibility might still occur through spontaneity, playfulness, and flow. In conclusion, short theater improvisation exercises could contribute to various indicators of healthy aging in various settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Bassis
- Department of Psychology, Professional School of Psychology, Sacramento, Califonia, United States
| | - Judit Rybko
- Arts, Seminar Hakibbutzim: Kibbutzim College of Education Technology and the Arts, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rotem Maor
- Education, David Yellin College of Education, Jerusalem, Israel
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Gonzalez AJ, Xavier T, Amarante N, Barros R, Amaral B, Bernardino M, Lima M. Playback Theatre Group, stories, and stage as elements of change. ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2022.101968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Shapira OM, Tov NS, Keisari S. Social Role Development in Playback Theater Groups in Light of the MacKenzie and Livesley Model. ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2022.101942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Keisari S, Piol S, Elkarif T, Mola G, Testoni I. Crafting Life Stories in Photocollage: An Online Creative Art-Based Intervention for Older Adults. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 12:1. [PMID: 35049612 PMCID: PMC8773113 DOI: 10.3390/bs12010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Creative arts therapies (CAT) provide a safe and creative environment for older adults to process life experiences and maintain personal growth while aging. There is a growing need to make creative arts therapies more accessible to the aging population, as many have limited access to these services. This need has been catalyzed by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tele-CAT offers a possible solution. This study explored the experiences of older adults who participated in an online creative process of digital photocollage based on CAT. Twenty-four Italian and Israeli community-dwelling older adults aged 78 to 92 participated in this research through Zoom teleconferencing software. Transcriptions of the sessions and the art produced through the photocollage were qualitatively analyzed through Thematic Analysis. The findings show that the projective stimuli of digital photographs supported older adults' narratives and engaged them in a more embodied emotional experience. Participant experiences involved artistic enjoyment within a positive and safe interaction with therapists. The creation of digital photocollages allowed the participants to process their life experiences and create an integrative view of their life, a vital developmental task in late life. These results point to the advantages and challenges of tele-CAT for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshi Keisari
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.P.); (G.M.); (I.T.)
- School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Silvia Piol
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.P.); (G.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Talia Elkarif
- School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
| | - Giada Mola
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.P.); (G.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Ines Testoni
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.P.); (G.M.); (I.T.)
- Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Keisari S. Expanding the Role Repertoire While Aging: A Drama Therapy Model. Front Psychol 2021; 12:635975. [PMID: 33746854 PMCID: PMC7973357 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.635975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drama therapy has been found to improve various facets of mental health while aging. It provides opportunities for personal growth and creative expression and enhances group relationships. Drama therapy is a widely acknowledged way to explore the life stories in late life. However, only a handful of studies have empirically explored the value of drama therapy for the aging population. This conceptual analysis was designed to address this need by developing a new integrative model of drama therapy. The analysis is based on the review of the results of four studies that explored the integration of life-review and playback theater as a drama therapy approach for older adults. The therapeutic process focused on the exploration of life-crossroads stories, a short unique technique which enables the participants to craft a harmonious view of their life stories in a short-term dramatic creative group process. Combining the four results yielded a multidimensional model which points to three potential transformative routes: the evolution of the life story, the evolution of improvised dramatic expression, and the expansion of social engagement. The transformative routes are described through the lens of role theory in drama therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshi Keisari
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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