Open AccessMental Health Perceptions from Artwork
Author(s) -
Alexei Sammut,
Paulann Grech,
Michael Galea,
Margaret Mangion,
Josianne Scerri
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
humanities and social science research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2576-3032
pISSN - 2576-3024
DOI - 10.30560/hssr.v4n4p42
Subject(s) - mental health , psychology , perception , solitude , thematic analysis , painting , subject (documents) , visual arts , qualitative research , social psychology , art , psychotherapist , sociology , computer science , social science , neuroscience , library science
The relationship between artwork and mental health has been the subject of various research endeavours. Whilst artwork has been long used as a means of emotional expression, it is also a method of raising mental health awareness. In this study, an art collection was presented to depict the challenges faced by many individuals living with a mental illness. Through a series of open-ended questions, twenty-nine participants were requested to give a title to each piece and to describe the perceived message and emotions related to each painting. The thematic analysis process of the participants’ descriptions led to the identification of three themes, namely those of Darkness, Solitude and Recovery. Whilst congruence was often observed between the participants themselves and between the viewers and the artist, discrepancies were also noted. Artwork can be an important medium in addressing stigma and in guiding reflections on mental health topics.