The creative artist support group: a case study. Issue 3 (9th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Benjamin, Elliot
• Is Part Of: Journal of public mental health. Volume 13:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2014-09-09
• Subjects: Mental health promotion -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-11-2013-0072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-5729

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – The purpose of this paper is to describe the therapeutic benefits of a community-based creative artists support group. The author is also the participant/facilitator of the group, which has been ongoing for the past eight months. The relevant experiences of three participants in the group have been chosen, to briefly illustrate the diverse kinds of social and therapeutic value that people with creative artistic inclinations may benefit from. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – The philosophy of the author's facilitation of this creative artist support group is based upon the humanistic psychology foundations of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, as well as the author's previous work on the relationship of the creative artist to mental disturbance and mental health. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – The pragmatic illustrations of therapeutic benefit from participation in this creative artist support group are directly related to the humanistic supportive atmosphere that is described in this paper as a cornerstone of the Artistic Theory of Psychology. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – This paper is highly original in the context of the author's description of his Artistic Theory of Psychology, which utilizes the foundation for the "successful creative artist" as being successful in both one's chosen artistic realm as well as making a satisfactory adjustment to day-to-day life. It should also be noted that this paper has been written in the context of a "brief case study" as discussed in August 2013 with the <italic>Journal of Public Mental Health</italic> editor.</p> </sec> </abstract>