Art as a therapeutic medium: the SuperART project

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence of the role of the arts in mental health is growing, but artistic approaches are still developing in rehabilitation services. The SuperART project is based on the therapeutic potential of art, proposing an innovative intervention, combining arts, nature and virtual reality to promote well-being in individuals with mental illness. Objective: This mixed study evaluated the effectiveness of an artistic intervention on the well-being of people with mental illness. Methods: Eight participants took part in activities such as art exhibitions, creating outdoor art and using virtual reality. The Nonpharmacological Therapy Experience Scale (NPT-ES) assessed participants' experiences during sessions, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) measured well-being before and after the intervention. At the end, a focus group was conducted. Results: Most of the study participants were male, aged between 35 and 56, with a predominant diagnosis of Schizophrenia. Significant changes were observed in the well-being reported by the participants (p-value = .011). There were no differences in engagement and participation across sessions, but overall interest in the intervention increased. Qualitative feedback was promising and participants were satisfied with the project. Conclusion: The study highlights the potential of museums as therapeutic contexts for the use of art to promote well-being in individuals with mental illness. The intervention demonstrated encouraging results, including greater well-being and evoked memories. More research with more representative samples is needed to develop effective strategies to promote well-being and provide individuals with genuine opportunities to contribute to the community.