Month/Year of Graduation
5-2020
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Department
Neuroscience
First Advisor
Dr. Bruce Chase
Abstract
Artists have used art’s positive mental and physical health effects for as long as art has been around. Art is known to have many therapeutic and mood benefiting effects, from reduced anxiety and stress levels, to increased confidence and a sense of purpose. Many different clinical studies have found art to be beneficial to people who have suffered from PTSD, bipolar disorder, strokes, and cancer pain. Despite the clearly beneficial effects of creativity associated with art, artists suffer from disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia at a much higher rate than the general population. This study sought to use artists’ perspectives to understand more about how and why artists use their art making to boost their emotional well-being. The broader aim of this research is to apply it’s findings to both other artists and to the general population. We interviewed five subjects who regularly make and observe art and asked them about how, if at all, they use the creation of art to promote their well-being. A common theme of the survey results was that all of the artists started very young and use the creative process of generating art similar to the use of meditation. Completing a final product also gave them a boosted sense of purpose; every artist suggested that others should participate in art making. Future studies should focus on applying this knowledge further with studies that include children and the general population.
Recommended Citation
Namuth, August and Chase, Bruce, "Art and the Pursuit of Happiness: How Artists Use Art to Promote Their Emotional Well-being" (2020). Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects. 100.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/university_honors_program/100
Included in
Health Psychology Commons, Pain Management Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons