Art making and the promotion of wellbeing in Samoa – participants' lived experience of a recovery oriented intervention. Issue 2 (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fenner, Patricia; Ryan, Brigid; Latai, Leua; Percival, Steven
• Is Part Of: Arts & health. Volume 10:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 124
• Page End: 137
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: Visual arts -- mental health -- rehabilitation -- health promotion -- arts therapy; Arts -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 615.8515
• DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2017.1334677
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-3015

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Set in the Pacific nation of Samoa, this study contributes knowledge about art, mental health and trauma recovery for people within a non-Western context. A total of 22 youth and young adults from two residential services participated in a six month weekly art programme set within a health promotion context. Methods: Focus group discussions with staff and consumers explored the participant experience of art making. Focus group data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: The study revealed art making in the recovery context supported enhanced levels of self-awareness, a sense of identity, belonging and of being contributors to society. Conclusions: Making art in the group supported participants' sense of voice, empowerment, agency and the capacity to make a social contribution within their respective communities during a period of dislocation from the village and extended family.