Reducing mental illness stigma and fostering empathic citizenship: Community arts collaborative approach. Issue 4 (4th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ho, Rainbow T. H.; Potash, Jordan S.; Ho, Andy H. Y.; Ho, Vania F. L.; Chen, Eric Y. H.
• Is Part Of: Social work in mental health. Volume 15:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 469
• Page End: 485
• Publication Date: 2017-07-04
• Subjects: Art therapy -- citizenship -- community arts -- empathy -- mental health -- mental illness -- psychosocial intervention -- social change -- social support -- stigma; Psychiatric social work -- Periodicals; 362.2042505
• DOI: 10.1080/15332985.2016.1236767
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-2985

Abstract

ABSTRACT: An art therapy-informed community arts project to reduce stigma towards people living with mental illness in Hong Kong included three phases: 1) a public exhibition to raise awareness; 2) a workshop for viewers to create response art and generate approaches to alleviate stigma; and 3) a forum for people living with mental illness and viewers to create art and discuss programmatic recommendations. Results suggested that: 1) art exhibits paired with reflection fostered empathy; 2) creating art promoted a wider perspective and initiated dialogue; and 3) collaborative art making facilitated meaningful interaction. These findings offer promising strategies for art and social change.