Jensen, Anita

Stickley, Theodore

Torrissen, Wenche

English

Introduction There is growing research evidence, both globally and inScandinavia, to suggest that engagement with arts and cultural activities hasa positive effect on mental health and well-being.Methods Through a scoping review using a five-stage method, this articleidentifies examples of arts practice that is supported by research for mentalhealth and well-being in Scandinavia, exploring how engagement in arts andculture activities may be good for the mental health of the public through thedifferent stages of life: childhood and youth, working life and older age.Results Examples of dance, music, arts on prescription, visits to museumsand galleries, visual arts, literature and theatre encompass the varietyof arts and culture activities that are used for improving mental health inthe Scandinavian population. Benefits are identified as the improvementof psychosocial skills, including coping, self-esteem, resilience andcommunication, as well as developing relationships.Conclusion By embracing and recognizing the added health value andimpact of arts engagement, policies could include access to arts andculture activities, targeting people with mental ill-health as well as publichealth promotion. Research suggests that arts engagement in Scandinaviais important for mental health and well-being throughout life. Therefore, itis crucial for public mental health and well-being strategies to be linked toregional and local policies to ensure appropriate implementation for localcommunitie

Arts and public mental health: exemplars from Scandinavia

https://vbn.aau.dk/ws/files/330475939/WHO_Scandinavia2020.pdf

Arts and public mental health: exemplars from Scandinavia

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