Search Here

A team of researchers from the University of Western Australia have revealed that by participating in arts for just two hours a week, one can improve their mental well-being and health. Since there is very little information regarding a connection between mental health in general population and the art as enjoyment and not therapy, the researchers accumulated data of 702 adults from Western Australia on their interest in arts for enjoyment, entertainment or a hobby. The participants underwent a 15-min telephonic survey regarding their engagement in arts, their emotional/mental happiness and their demographics such as age, sex, education level and income, reported CTV News.

In the study, arts included several activities such as photography, reading, music, theatre, sculpture, painting, fashion, etc. The participants were asked if they engaged in arts in the last 12 months and, if yes, they were asked to describe the level of their participation. Participants also answered questions about their mental health. The results were analyzed and the researchers revealed that those who had engaged in arts for more than 100 hours reported better mental health than those who had lower levels of engagement.

"People need a range of easy enjoyable options they can use to stay well," commented Dr Christina Davies, one of the study's co-authors. "Depending on a person's interests, the arts can provide a range of health enhancing opportunities, activities and events. Arts engagement increases happiness, confidence, self-esteem and reduces stress and social isolation. People need to give themselves permission to be creative and to make time for the arts activities and events that they enjoy." The study was published in the journal BMC Public Health, reported CTV News