EVIDENCE-BASE for the role of the arts in improving health and wellbeing

Yes, engagement in the arts has a positive impact on our health and wellbeing! Whilst we inherently know this, a study was carried out in 2019 by the World Health Organisation which I wanted to share with you...and below are some of the key findings...

World Health Organisation report - the role of the arts on improving health and wellbeing .

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The Arts Impact Both Prevention and Treatment

• Prevention & Promotion: The arts affect social determinants of health, support child development, encourage healthy behaviours, help prevent ill health, and aid caregivers.

• Management & Treatment: The arts support mental health care, acute and chronic conditions, neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders, and end-of-life care.

  
  

Mental Health and Well-Being

• Participation in arts (e.g., music, dance, theatre, visual arts) can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

• Arts engagement enhances self-esteem, emotional expression, resilience, and social connectedness.

• Arts interventions are effective across the lifespan, from maternal bonding and child development to dementia care.

  
  

Clinical and Community Applications

• Used in hospitals to reduce pain and anxiety (e.g., music before surgery).

• Shown to improve patient satisfaction and communication in healthcare settings.

• Arts on prescription and social prescribing schemes show promising results in reducing healthcare usage and improving well-being.

  
  

Arts Strengthen Social Cohesion and Equity

• Help address social isolation, build community trust, and reduce stigma (e.g., mental illness, HIV, disability).

• Support marginalized and hard-to-reach groups, including refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and incarcerated populations.

• Promote intercultural understanding and reduce discrimination.

  
  

Support for Child and Youth Development

• Enhance language skills, emotional regulation, and school readiness.

• Arts programmes (like El Sistema) support at-risk youth through music education, fostering cognitive and social development.

  
  

Policy Recommendations

The World Health Organisation encourages:

• Cross-sector collaboration (health, culture, education).

• Integrating arts into public health strategies.

• Expanding access to arts for diverse communities.

• Supporting culturally relevant and evidence-based arts interventions.

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