Recent studies highlight the positive impacts of artistic and cultural activities on physical and mental health
Recent peer-reviewed publications highlight how art and cultural activities contribute to health and well-being, support holistic wellness, and prevent illnesses across all age groups, according to a review article by researchers at the University of the Arts Helsinki, published in the Lääkärilehti (Finnish Medical Journal).
Postdoctoral researcher Taru-Anneli Koivisto and visiting researcher Taru Tähti from the University of the Arts Helsinki explored the potential of art and cultural activities to enhance the health and well-being of various age and population groups.
The peer-reviewed article published in Lääkärilehti concludes that art and cultural activities promote physical and cognitive health and well-being across all age groups included in the study.
Many of the publications included in the review reported or touched on the impact or support of art and cultural activities on health-promoting behaviours, such as stress management and the improvement of social relationships.
Koivisto and Tähti reviewed the latest peer-reviewed data from 2014 to 2024, selecting 20 publications from a total of 9,804 references.
Art and culture as drivers of well-being
Research shows that engagement in art and cultural activities positively impacts well-being across all age groups, from newborns to the elderly. Significant results were achieved, particularly in the areas of social factors, holistic well-being, and prevention. Music, dance, and visual arts strengthened participants’ social networks, fostered a sense of belonging, and improved stress management.
Cultural prescription programmes enriched traditional healthcare models and improved, for instance, mental well-being, especially among those who engaged in artistic activities for over 100 hours per year.
The potential of creative methods in enhancing well-being and inclusion
Creative methods supported the integration of immigrant youth as well as the well-being of care home residents and employees. For example, listening to music helped young people process their emotions and supported learning the Finnish language.
In care homes, creative activities improved residents’ moods and sense of community while also supporting caregivers’ resilience. In the workplace, background music and creative workshops strengthened participants’ sense of inclusion and reduced stress, particularly during the pandemic.
Five aspects of health and well-being
The review examined the impact of art and culture on health and well-being promotion through five distinct aspects of health and well-being: The social determinants of health and well-being, supporting the development and growth of children and young people, workplace well-being and support for caregiving, holistic well-being and prevention, as well as health- and well-being-promoting lifestyles. The art forms included in the study ranged from music, visual arts, and dance to performing arts, literature, and creative methods.
Art therapies were excluded from the review, which focused specifically on promoting health and well-being before the onset of illnesses.
The intrinsic and educational value of art and culture
The researchers emphasise that cultural well-being activities are not medical treatments, although they can be applied in care and healthcare settings.
“The concept of well-being encompasses not only health but also various aspects of quality of life that contribute to overall wellness.”
According to them, alongside evaluating the impact of art and culture, greater emphasis should be placed on studying the meanings they create.
“In addition to productivity and efficiency, the intrinsic and educational value of art and culture must be considered, including the meanings and narratives they generate.”
The researchers remind us that we live in a time of multiple crises, where an ageing and increasingly diverse population faces diminishing societal and ecological resources. Therefore, promoting health and well-being is timely across various sectors.
“The significance of preventive and proactive efforts is also growing in healthcare, where the focus should shift from treating illnesses to preventing them,” the researchers write.
Read the peer-reviewed article in Finnish in Lääkärilehti (Published 20 November 2024).