title: The connection between art, healing, and public health: a review of current literature.
abstract: This review explores the relationship between engagement with the creative arts and health outcomes, specifically the health effects of music engagement, visual arts therapy, movement-based creative expression, and expressive writing. Although there is evidence that art-based interventions are effective in reducing adverse physiological and psychological outcomes, the extent to which these interventions enhance health status is largely unknown. Our hope is to establish a foundation for continued investigation into this subject and to generate further interest in researching the complexities of engagement with the arts and health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, C6860 (H034), 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. hls119@psu.edu
authors.forename: Heather L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Stuckey
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nobel
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods; D026421:Sensory Art Therapies / Q000379:methods; D014956:Writing