SPOT; co-created study among youngsters.ÙExploring effects of artistic practices on mental health.

Adolescents, dealing with mental health issues created SPOT as project: a safe place to discover talents while developing art skills. SPOT offers a low-threshold programme with various communal artistic activities (like drawing, drama, music etc.), supervised by art teachers and supported by users and (trained) persons with lived experience. At SPOT the art is a goal itself instead of a kind of treatment like art therapy, in which art is intended as a means of expression for feelings.



The SPOT project is evaluated by researchers with peer expertise. Our exploratory study aims to gain insight into the effects of participation in artistic activities at SPOT as workplace and the psychological well-being of youngsters and young adults with mental health struggles. And to get a better idea of the underlying mechanisms. The study was co created, the youngsters were actively involved from the start (including the design) and consisted a concurrent quantitive and qualitive part. Questionnaires and semi-structured in-deph interviews were conducted to inquire personal experiences at the SPOT workplace, related to possible changes in mental well-being. 

 

In this case, participants’ mental well-being was often below average and no overall changes in well-being could be demonstrated. However, the majority of the participants indicated that participation at SPOT at least once a week did have a positive impact on their well-being during the week. Furthermore, they report positive on social and creative experiences at SPOT and on the impact of SPOT on their lives, such as discovering new talents, gaining more self-confidence and making new friends. The low threshold, the pressure-free ambiance and the clear focus on arts itself create a safe environment where youngsters feel free to express themselves creatively and socially.



In our ENMESH presentation we will discuss the results, the implications and follow-up study for youth mental health.