Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
06:24
Examining Changes in HRV and Emotion Following Artmaking with Three Different Art Materials
Published on: January 11, 2020
Eudaimonic well-being and community arts participation
Rachel Swindells1, Rebecca Lawthom, Kevin Rowley
1Arts for Health and Well-Being Research Group, Research Institute for Health and Social Change, Manchester Metropolitan University, M13 0JA, UK. r.swindells@mmu.ac.uk
Perspectives in Public Health
|January 12, 2013
Summary
Arts programs foster psychological well-being by promoting autonomy and challenge. Sustained engagement in creative activities enhances participants' sense of purpose and intrinsic motivation, contributing to overall wellness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Arts and Health
- Positive Psychology
Background:
- Eudaimonic models of psychological well-being are explored.
- Qualitative data from Manchester Metropolitan University's Invest to Save Arts in Health programme (2004-07) is utilized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine eudaimonic well-being within arts and health initiatives.
- To understand participant experiences in arts projects for older adults and those with mental health diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- A hybrid thematic analysis of 21 interviews.
- An updated literature review framed by positive psychology and well-being.
Main Results:
- Eudaimonic themes of autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and challenge were identified.
- Arts projects provided purposeful occupation, cognitive challenge, and opportunities for self-expression and flow.
- Participants reported intrinsic motivation to develop creative potential and the importance of sustained engagement for well-being.
Conclusions:
- Arts and health research can benefit from positive psychology theories.
- Arts projects are inclusive and accommodating, supporting eudaimonic well-being.
- Further research is needed to generalize findings, and cultural support for well-being across the lifespan is questioned.
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