Abstract
Introduction
Evidence of the role of the arts in mental health is growing, but artistic approaches are still developing in rehabilitation services. The SuperART project is based on the therapeutic potential of art, proposing an innovative intervention, combining arts, nature and virtual reality to promote well-being in individuals with mental illness.
Objective
This mixed study evaluated the effectiveness of an artistic intervention on the well-being of people with mental illness.
Methods
Eight participants took part in activities such as art exhibitions, creating outdoor art and using virtual reality. The Non-pharmacological Therapy Experience Scale (NPT-ES) assessed participants' experiences during sessions, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) measured well-being before and after the intervention. At the end, a focus group was conducted.
Results
Most of the study participants were male, aged between 35 and 56, with a predominant diagnosis of Schizophrenia. Significant changes were observed in the well-being reported by the participants (p-value = .011). There were no differences in engagement and participation across sessions, but overall interest in the intervention increased. Qualitative feedback was promising and participants were satisfied with the project.
Conclusion
The study highlights the potential of museums as therapeutic contexts for the use of art to promote well-being in individuals with mental illness. The intervention demonstrated encouraging results, including greater well-being and evoked memories. More research with more representative samples is needed to develop effective strategies to promote well-being and provide individuals with genuine opportunities to contribute to the community.
Keywords:
Mental Health; Quality of Life; Virtual Reality; Nature; Museum