The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature

Description

This review explores the relationship between engagement with the creative arts and health outcomes, specifically the health effects of music engagement, visual arts therapy, movement-based creative expression, and expressive writing. Although there is evidence that art-based interventions are effective in reducing adverse physiological and psychological outcomes, the extent to which these interventions enhance health status is largely unknown. Our hope is to establish a foundation for continued investigation into this subject and to generate further interest in researching the complexities of engagement with the arts and health.

Results

The idea that creative expression can make a powerful contribution to the healing process has been embraced in many different cultures. Throughout recorded history, people have used pictures, stories, dances, and chants as healing rituals.²⁷ there has been much philosophical and anecdotal discussion about the benefits of art and healing, but less empirical research exists in the literature. In fact, although arts therapy has been used clinically for more than a century²⁸ and has been recognized as a profession since 1991,²⁹ much of the published work is theoretical in nature, with little discussion of specific outcomes.^13,30 Only in recent years have systematic and controlled studies examined the therapeutic effects and benefits of the arts and healing.³¹

Nevertheless, we have seen positive outcomes for the potential of using art to promote healing in our 4 primary areas of focus. This article is not meant to be a comprehensive review of all of the literature available (other authors have provided comprehensive overviews in areas such as music therapy³² and expressive writing³³). Instead, it represents a sampling of the many potential benefits of art in enhancing health and wellness.