The health and wellbeing benefits of participating in creative arts activities have witnessed an increasing focus of attention in recent years. Existing research has shown improved self-esteem, confidence, and the development of a positive identity, as well as the positive impact on community belonging, and reducing loneliness as some of the key benefits. However, there is limited knowledge about the impact creative activities has for young people experiencing mental health issues. Understanding how and why creativity might support young people living with mental health difficulties to live more meaningful lives is crucial if the arts are to be considered a central dimension of public health. The aim of this research is to understand how and why taking part in creative activities works for young people with mental health difficulties. By unpacking what engaging in creativity means and why it is significant to participants as a form of self-expression, social engagement and empowerment, the study evidence’s how creativity might support young people aged 13-19 living with mental health difficulties that can lead to change, growth, and recovery. Adopting a hermeneutic phenomenological philosophy, this qualitative inquiry took a longitudinal approach, collecting data at two time points. At phase one, 12 young people took part in a diary activity over a 4-week period. Data was then analysed using a thematic analysis. Six young people took part in phase 2, involving a face-to-face interview. Interview data was analysed using hermeneutic phenomenological analysis. The approach taken in this study provides an innovative methodological contribution. It provides key learning for future research and highlights the critical implications of the development and ending of the research relationship when engaging young people in research. Presented through the proposal of a conceptual model, findings reveal that self-discovery and transformative learning processes are harnessed through engaging in creativity. Underpinning identity, belonging and agency as three key dimensions of individual change, these processes have the capacity to support the emergence of hope, purpose, and meaning through the uniquely transformative experiences of creative expression. The conceptual model attends to unique needs of the individual by making visible the diverse pathways recovery can take. This study contributes new in-depth, understanding of personal growth, change and creative recovery for young people experiencing mental health problems and calls for the inclusion of creativity as a fundamental facet of wellbeing.
| Date of Award | 13 Jun 2024 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Barry Percy-Smith (Main Supervisor) & Sarah Jane Daly (Co-Supervisor) |
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