MESOC Serapeum | Where culture meets AI

Id		546
Author		Pearce E.
Title		Participants’ perspectives on the social bonding and well-being effects of creative arts adult education classes
Reference		Pearce E.; Participants’ perspectives on the social bonding and well-being effects of creative arts adult education classes ;Arts and Health vol:9 issue: 1 page:42.0
Link to article		https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84978151343&doi=10.1080%2f17533015.2016.1193550&partnerID=40&md5=37892362030255b77fce9e777e62fa6d
Abstract		Background: Evidence suggests that adult education classes have a positive impact on well-being, but whether this is true for all course activities is unknown. Methods: A UK adult education charity ran four singing classes, two craft classes and a creative writing class for the purpose of this study. Written responses to open questions about health, well-being and social lives were collected from participants at the end of the 7-month courses. Results: The classes enhanced well-being by improving mood and providing a sense of belonging. The classes helped participants develop self-confidence, create and strengthen relationships, and encouraged more active lives. Participants valued meeting people from their community and used these ties to access information about local opportunities. However, some participants reported negative experiences linked to unfavourable self–other comparison. Conclusions: These results highlight how regular adult education classes involving creativity can enhance well-being and help community integration regardless of the subject studied. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Results:

Candidate transition variables
I feel happier & much more confident - myself, at last! .
Therefore they have improved my quality of life. .
Participants reported a mixture of increased energy (energized, uplifted, inspired, enthusiastic and confident) and fulfilment (contented, relaxed and a sense of well-being). .
My mood is generally improved. .
This gives me more exercise and energy as I feel good about doing it. .
They have increased my self-confidence and therefore made me feel better about myself and my prospects. .
I have been pleased to find out that people see me as a nice person. .
Moreover, the classes allowed them to strengthen ties with close friends and family through sharing their new interests, and they enjoyed enhanced well-being linked both to more positive moods and a sense of belonging. .
Its hard to know whether that is due to the act of singing (required breathing, focus and concentration and therefore being a mindful distraction) or whether the active support of the group lifts me. I personally feel that the two act together with a synergy which is particularly effective. .
Although crafters, writers and singers all reported improved self-confidence, only singers reported feeling that they played a useful role in the group. .
These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence demonstrating that participation in lifelong learning is an effective way of enhancing well-being..
Results: The classes enhanced well-being by improving mood and providing a sense of belonging. .
Adult education classes, at least those in creative subjects, may thus act as a crucible of positive social mixing that spreads to the wider community, thus promoting greater community engagement, integration and cohesion. .
Consequently, attendance of adult education classes and groups might particularly promote health and well-being through enlarging a participants circle of acquaintances, with the potential for these to become closer friends over time. .
The classes helped participants develop self-confidence, create and strengthen relationships, and encouraged more active lives. .
Conclusion Overall, these creative arts adult education classes provided considerable benefits to participants that extended beyond the classroom. .
Participants valued meeting people from their community and used these ties to access information about local opportunities. .
These findings suggest that the opportunity to meet people regularly and frequently may be sufficient to create social cohesion and improved well-being for group members. .
By giving individuals a reason to be active, adult education classes can have repercussions beyond the classroom that transform participants lifestyles and support better mental and physical health outcomes. .
Participants felt more confident to take an assertive role in their futures, and more integrated into their local communities. .
Generally, this was a product of the support and praise of others, the realization that they had something of value to offer and that they were doing something worthwhile that offered a new direction. .

ARTICLE - CANDIDATE TRANSITION VARIABLES

Results: