Innovative arts-literacy program shows promise in reducing youth depression and anxiety
A recent study on the Pre-Texts arts-literacy intervention showed significant potential in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms among Kenyan adolescents through an arts-based program.
A recent article from News Medical Life Sciences details a study on the Pre-Texts arts-literacy intervention and its impact on reducing depression and anxiety in Kenyan adolescents. The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, focused on high school pupils and used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the efficacy of this intervention. The background highlights the significant global burden of adolescent mood and anxiety disorders, particularly in low-resource settings like Sub-Saharan Africa. The intervention, adapted from the Pre-Texts art instruction methodology, aimed to address these symptoms through a combination of academic challenges and artmaking, fostering autonomy and communication among the youth.
The research was conducted between August and December 2021 with 235 students from Kenyan high schools. It involved group sessions led by trained high school graduates. The study used tools like the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener 7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ-8) to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. The results indicated that the intervention group experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to the control group, especially among those with heightened symptoms at the start of the study. The intervention was well-received and considered valuable, highlighting its potential as a low-stigma treatment for mental health needs in resource-limited settings.
Arts for Everybody aims to demonstrate how the arts can lead to healthier communities and people. This initiative, inspired by the 1936 Federal Theatre Project, involves participatory public art projects across 18 communities in America, emphasizing the value of arts in physical and mental health. The projects range from addressing local issues through art expressions to integrating arts into healthcare delivery and enhancing mental and behavioral health through artist residencies. This initiative underscores the potential of community-based, arts-focused approaches in addressing mental health and wellbeing, similar to the findings of the Pre-Texts intervention study.
In essence, both the study and the mission of Arts for Everybody underscore the significant role of arts in improving mental health and building healthier communities, especially in low-resource or disadvantaged areas. They both highlight the necessity of accessible, community-based arts initiatives as powerful tools for addressing mental health needs and fostering societal wellbeing
Check out the full story at news-medical.net
