Intervention mediated by the arts with a group of institutionalized young Angolan females

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa faces immense challenges at various levels, including in mental health. We aim to understand the effectiveness of an arts-based intervention with particularly vulnerable populations. In this quasi-experimental study, with pre and post-tests, and non-randomized experimental and control groups, we describe an intervention with institutionalized female adolescents from Angola and report changes in anxiety and depression levels, and on their subjective experiences.Quantitative data shows that the post-test anxiety and depression levels of experimental group participants were lower than all the other groups/moments. Qualitative data shows: (1) that participantsexperienced personal growth, understood in terms of self-cceptance, responsibility and self confidence; hope, expressed by the desire to continue developing skills and to live a purposeful life; and a greater interconnectedness with the broader system of the reception center; (2) an increase in focus, dynamism and spontaneity, results that are seldom reported in the literature.This study reflects the importance of offering arts-based programs for adolescents from vulnerable backgrounds, namely residents of institutional care units and that this programs should be guided bythe principles of freedom of expression and non-judgement