Abstract
Background
The ramifications of mental ill health are enduring and potentially disabling. This research study focuses on using art to explore children’s understanding and awareness of mental health issues.
Aims
To explore the medium of ‘drawing’ as a method of communication by young people for expressing feelings and thoughts about what keeps their minds strong and what makes them happy as children.
Method
Arts-based research was used as a primary mode of inquiry to collect data and conduct analysis.
Sample
A total of 16 schools participated, with 10 from the primary school sector (children aged 5–11 years) and six from the post-primary sector (11 + to 18 years). A total of 358 posters were submitted.
Findings
Emergent themes suggested the existence of the awareness of stigma, which accompanied mental health issues and social isolation. In addition, perceptions of what makes children happy were also apparent, for example, family and friends. Similarities existed in the relationship between genders of a similar age group, and some differentiations presented between primary and post-primary educational sectors.
Implications
Arts-based research offers children an opportunity to recognise and express their feelings. Early identification of a child’s mental health problems may enable mental health nurses to engage in early intervention strategies to promote positive health functioning.
The ramifications of mental ill health are enduring and potentially disabling. This research study focuses on using art to explore children’s understanding and awareness of mental health issues.
Aims
To explore the medium of ‘drawing’ as a method of communication by young people for expressing feelings and thoughts about what keeps their minds strong and what makes them happy as children.
Method
Arts-based research was used as a primary mode of inquiry to collect data and conduct analysis.
Sample
A total of 16 schools participated, with 10 from the primary school sector (children aged 5–11 years) and six from the post-primary sector (11 + to 18 years). A total of 358 posters were submitted.
Findings
Emergent themes suggested the existence of the awareness of stigma, which accompanied mental health issues and social isolation. In addition, perceptions of what makes children happy were also apparent, for example, family and friends. Similarities existed in the relationship between genders of a similar age group, and some differentiations presented between primary and post-primary educational sectors.
Implications
Arts-based research offers children an opportunity to recognise and express their feelings. Early identification of a child’s mental health problems may enable mental health nurses to engage in early intervention strategies to promote positive health functioning.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 544-567 |
Number of pages | 24 |
Journal | Journal of Research in Nursing |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 7 |
Early online date | 7 Jul 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 1 Nov 2016 |
Keywords
- Arts-Based Research
- Mental Health
- Stigma
- Children
- Health
- Promotion
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Kevin Moore
- School of Nursing and Paramedic Science - Teaching Assistant
- Faculty Of Life & Health Sciences
Person: Academic