Journal article
Forming relationships through group art-making: An exploration with neurodivergent people living in regional Australia
Health promotion journal of Australia, Vol.32(S2), pp.308-319
10/2021
PMID: 33040431
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Abstract
Issues Addressed
Neurodivergent people have a strong history of raw creative expression in the arts, however they also have a history of being segregated from society. This segregation has obstructed pathways to building the connections that maintain both mental and physical health. This research sought to illuminate how group art-making impacts relationship formation with neurodivergent people in regional Australia.
Method
The study included nine participants with intellectual disability and one with an acquired brain injury who regularly attend art-making workshops, along with eight of their chosen arts advocates. A single iterative case-study design was employed using participatory action research (PAR) methodology. Methods included: three participant think aloud (T/A) groups, nine researcher observations, and nine third-party interviews. The data were thematically analysed then triangulated using three different sources.
Results
Making art in a group can form enriched relationships with (a) the artwork; (b) the self; (c) others; and (d) community. Facilitation supported how these relationships formed. The relationships increased agency, belonging and wellbeing.
Conclusion
These connections mitigate the numerous effects of marginalisation. Art-making has the capacity to enrich the health and wellbeing of neurodivergent populations.
So What?
Art-making groups can provide a space that interrupts the isolation and social exclusion experienced by neurodivergent people. Art workshops offer both an emancipatory space to create where sense of self and relationships with others are enhanced, and an opportunity to reach beyond the studio to connect with communities. These rich connections contribute to better health outcomes for neurodivergent people, thus enhance the wellbeing of their communities.
Details
- Title
- Forming relationships through group art-making: An exploration with neurodivergent people living in regional Australia
- Creators
- Emma Gentle - University of SydneyPatricia O'Brien - University of Sydney
- Publication Details
- Health promotion journal of Australia, Vol.32(S2), pp.308-319
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 12
- Identifiers
- 991013098102302368
- Copyright
- © 2020 Australian Health Promotion Association.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article