SPACES OF WELLBEING : WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS ART STUDIOS?
Radcliffe, David (2013)
Radcliffe, David
Diakonia-ammattikorkeakoulu
2013
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2013112518155
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2013112518155
Tiivistelmä
ABSTRACT
Radcliffe, David. Spaces of Wellbeing, What is so special about special needs art studios? Autumn 2013, 73 p., 2 appendices.
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Degree Programme in Social Services + option in Diaconal Social Work, Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) + Qualifi-cation for the office of diaconia worker in The Church of Finland.
The aim of this thesis is to discover the common experiences of art studio par-ticipants in relation to wellbeing. This has become a topical issue over the last decade as arts based methods have crept into both the social and health work fields claiming benefits to wellbeing such as improved self-esteem and social capital.
This research was implemented using the qualitative research methods of indi-vidual semi-structured interviews, focus groups and observation. Participants from four different art groups participated in this research, from an art workshop in a special care rehabilitation centre in Pieksämäki and from community-based art studios for special needs artists in Kuopio and Varkaus.
The results show that wellbeing is supported by the studios emotionally, psy-chologically and socially. Emotionally the workshops generate regular positive emotion, allow participants to engage with personal interests and reduce nega-tive emotions. Socially the workshops produce bonding, bridging and linking capital, meaningful attention and supportive social norms. Psychologically the workshops produce purpose and continuity in life.
In conclusion arts interventions could be valuable tools for supporting the well-being of people with special needs.
Key words: Wellbeing, special needs, arts participation, social support.
Radcliffe, David. Spaces of Wellbeing, What is so special about special needs art studios? Autumn 2013, 73 p., 2 appendices.
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Degree Programme in Social Services + option in Diaconal Social Work, Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) + Qualifi-cation for the office of diaconia worker in The Church of Finland.
The aim of this thesis is to discover the common experiences of art studio par-ticipants in relation to wellbeing. This has become a topical issue over the last decade as arts based methods have crept into both the social and health work fields claiming benefits to wellbeing such as improved self-esteem and social capital.
This research was implemented using the qualitative research methods of indi-vidual semi-structured interviews, focus groups and observation. Participants from four different art groups participated in this research, from an art workshop in a special care rehabilitation centre in Pieksämäki and from community-based art studios for special needs artists in Kuopio and Varkaus.
The results show that wellbeing is supported by the studios emotionally, psy-chologically and socially. Emotionally the workshops generate regular positive emotion, allow participants to engage with personal interests and reduce nega-tive emotions. Socially the workshops produce bonding, bridging and linking capital, meaningful attention and supportive social norms. Psychologically the workshops produce purpose and continuity in life.
In conclusion arts interventions could be valuable tools for supporting the well-being of people with special needs.
Key words: Wellbeing, special needs, arts participation, social support.