A Novel Participant-Empowered Pedagogical Approach to Engage and Retain Control Group Participants in Arts-Based Randomized Controlled Trials. Issue 4 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matto, Holly C.; Ihara, Emily S.; Tompkins, Catherine; McNeil, Kathryn; Lopez-Piper, Adriana; Eber, Maxine; Dhokai, Niyati; Davis, Rick; Cortes, Nelson; Caswell, Shane V.; Coogan, Sarah M.; Fauntroy, Victoria; Glass, Elizabeth; Baraniecki-Zwil, Gwen; Ambegaonkar, Jatin P.
• Is Part Of: Families in society. Volume 102:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 529
• Page End: 537
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: focus groups -- evidence-based/evidence-informed practice -- strengths-based practice -- aging/gerontology; Social service -- Periodicals; Social case work -- Periodicals; Family social work -- Periodicals; Social service -- United States -- Periodicals; Family social work; Social case work; Social service; United States; Periodicals; 362.82097305
• DOI: 10.1177/1044389421997356
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1044-3894

Abstract

The overall purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to examine the effect of arts classes (ballroom dance and ukulele) on older adults' well-being compared with a social conversation control group. This article describes a novel participant-empowered pedagogical approach to enhance control group retention and engagement. Sixty-four participants ( M = 71 years) participated twice weekly in a 10-week intervention that included ballroom dancing ( n = 23), ukulele playing ( n = 17), and social conversation ( n = 24). Focus group themes revealed participants felt challenged as they crossed their comfort zones, increased confidence, and enhanced social connections. Community-engaged arts programs for older adults should further examine mechanisms that foster positive social connections during sessions, paying special attention to the design of the control group condition in RCTs where competing arts-based intervention groups may be more desirable to participants.