“It is easier to express yourself through art”: A qualitative exploration of recovery through expressive arts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2023.0275Keywords:
recovery, mental health, expressive arts, recreation therapy, creativityAbstract
Objective: Expressive arts (EA) is associated with positive experiences for those who engage in them. This study explores how PeaceLove, a structured EA program, contributes to personal recovery and well-being.
Design: We used a qualitative inquiry to gain a multifaceted perspective of personal recovery through participation in PeaceLove program.
Setting: This study was conducted at one of the four standalone specialty psychiatric hospitals in Ontario—Canada’s most populous province. The 346-bed hospital offers a range of specialized mental health services to those living with complex and serious mental illness, including adolescent, adult, forensic, and geriatric patients.
Main outcome measure(s): Four focus group interviews were conducted with 16 individuals with chronic mental health conditions to explore how PeaceLove promoted their personal recovery goals.
Results: The mean age of participants was 44 years with 56 percent being female. Analysis revealed four interconnected themes—self-discovery, recovery, art as a medium of expression, and a sense of well-being—contributing to participants’ personal recovery journey.
Conclusion: The study findings highlight the benefits of EA on individuals’ personal recovery and recommend recreational therapists to use EA as a “recovery tool” to support individuals in their recovery journey.
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