Designing a handbook of activities : using art expressions to benefit the well-being and mental health

Abstract

Artistic expressions have been proved to have therapeutic benefits in individuals’ well-being, especially in the mental health field. Nevertheless, art is not widely used for welfare improvement purposes, and many institutions such as schools, medical centers and youth centers, still do not have enough art related activities in their agenda. That is the result of a lack of guidelines and established forms of applying this type of activities, where art is used for the benefit of the participants.

This thesis aimed to design and develop a series of activities in the form of short workshops, involving different art expressions such as music, painting and drawing. The purpose of the resulting handbook of activities was to serve as a guide for those willing to improve the participant’s well-being and mental health.

The theoretical part begins by explaining and defining concepts such as well- being, mental health, and art expressions. It proceeds by recounting the methodology implemented to create said workshops, and the research carried out behind each activity. The practical result of the thesis consists of a handbook to be used as a guide to carry out the workshops, by particulars or professionals from different fields such as educational institutions, cultural houses, youth workers, etc.