Routledge International Handbook of Wellbeing Arts by Giraldez-Hayes, Andrea; Seligman, Mandy; Burke, Jolanta;

Short description:

This book focuses on the research and practice of arts and everyday aesthetics through the lens of positive psychology. This is essential reading for academics and practitioners in positive psychology, arts and culture, health and mental health, social work, and education. 

Long description:

The Routledge International Handbook of Wellbeing Arts focuses on the research and practice of arts and everyday aesthetics through the lens of positive psychology. Drawing together international experts and interdisciplinary perspectives, including culture, psychology, education, sociology, health, social work, or neuroscience, this ground‑breaking book introduces a new concept of Wellbeing Arts, offering fresh insights and practical strategies for using creative expression to enhance wellbeing.

Through an exploration of cutting‑edge science, this volume explores how engaging with the arts and everyday aesthetics can cultivate strengths, foster positive emotions, promote meaningful relationships, facilitate engagement and achievement, help individuals to find meaning and purpose, and act as a transformative force for. The first section provides the foundation for wellbeing arts and the integration of arts, everyday aesthetics, and positive psychology. The second section demystifies the idea that the arts are reserved for an elite and makes the case that the arts are for everyone. Section 3 presents a series of possibilities for integrating arts, everyday aesthetics, and positive psychology using various art forms and descriptions of successful programmes in different contexts. Finally, section 4 presents a series of chapters describing arts and wellbeing policies and projects.

This is essential reading for academics and practitioners in positive psychology, arts and culture, health and mental health, social work, and education, as well as anyone seeking to tap into the power of the arts for a more fulfilling life.

'Aesthetic experience is a central part of living and being happy – not just arts participation but everyday singing, listening, looking. So if you want to improve your wellbeing, read this fascinating and deeply thoughtful book.'

Richard Layard, Co-director of the Community Wellbeing programme at the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics

'This book is an important contribution to the world of positive psychology as well as the art world, to teachers and to students, to scholars and to practitioners.  Wellbeing art can not only elevate our spirits and bring us together, it can inspire us to action and heal our communities.'

Tal Ben-Shahar, Founder of the Happiness Studies Academy

'From singing to cinema, the arts provide opportunities for entertainment and expression. But, do they impact wellbeing? The contributors to this volume provide a deep discussion of the science and theory behind artistic creation, broadly defined. This book provides the scientific evidence of what we all know to be true in our hearts.'

Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, author of Radical Listening  

'When I first became introduced to the relatively new field of positive psychology, I was intrigued and excited, but also puzzled about the somewhat paradoxical absence of music and the arts as core underpinnings of the related evidence-base. I am absolutely delighted to see this new edited volume out as the definitive critical bridge between these worlds. This is a remarkable anthology of works, by world-leading experts in the numerous intersecting fields, skilfully edited by Andrea Giraldez-Hayes, Mandy Seligman and Jolanta Burke. I welcome this important contribution to our multidisciplinary field and wish to thank and congratulate all contributors for sharing their work. I am confident that this handbook will become essential reading for developing scholars and researchers.'

Prof. Evangelos Himonides, Professor of Technology, Education, and Music, University College London

'This is an important addition to the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in the links between human creativity and human flourishing. The positive impact of artists, cultural organisations and creative activities on the lives of audiences, participants and visitors is well known to those of who work in the creative industries. This book shares that knowledge and understanding with a wider readership.  Packed full of practical examples rooted in the discipline of positive psychology, this exciting new book highlights the science of how and why that engagement with creative professionals and artistic participation makes such a difference, enabling more of us to lead happier, healthier lives.'

Dr Darren Henley CBE, Chief Executive, Arts Council England

Table of Contents:

Foreword. Section 1: The Science of Wellbeing and the Arts. Chapter 1. Delineating the Field of Wellbeing Arts Andrea Giraldez-Hayes and Mandy Seligman. Chapter 2. The Positive Humanities: Arts, Culture, and Human Flourishing James O. Pawelski, Frank Jackson, and Katherine N. Cotter. Chapter 3. Creative wellbeing: A social perspective Norma Daykin. Chapter 4. Using the Arts and Aesthetic Experiences to Improve Health and Wellbeing Susan Magsamen. Chapter 5. Beyond the act of creation: Receiving the arts and their well-being benefits MacKenzie D. Trupp. Chapter 6. The Neuroscience of Visual Art Appreciation Edward A. Vessel and Dominik Welke. Section 2: Arts and Everyday Aesthetics. Chapter 7. Everyday Creativity and the Healthy Mind Terry Marks-Tarlow and Leanne Domash. Chapter 8. The painted self: Creativity and resilience in ageing well Tobi Zausner. Chapter 9: Wellbeing and everyday shared experiences of beauty in families and communities: Promoting social and aesthetic justice through everyday arts and culture Ana Teixeira de Melo, Cláudia Pato de Carvalho, Raquel Ribeiro, Maria Huhmarniemi, Amos Taylor, Pauliina Latvala-Harvilaht, Milena Dragićević Šešić, Regina Murphy, Melanie Sarantou, Amalia Sabiescu, Tamás Martos, Viola Sallay, Noemy Berbel-Gómez, and Alberto Cabedo-Mas. Chapter 10: Coping with Grief Through Creative Video Production on YouTube Patricia G. Lange. Chapter 11. Arts as positive psychology interventions Andrea Giraldez-Hayes. Chapter 12. Exploring Identity: Action Art as a Tool for Self-Understanding Victoria Martínez-Vérez. Section 3: Flourishing by Engaging with Arts and Everyday Aesthetics. Chapter 13. SeeingHappy. Phlourish: Flourishing through Photography Mandy Seligman, Roger Irwin, and Andrew Trousdale. Chapter 14. Project Harmonia: Musical Approaches to Well-being Grace Zhao. Chapter 15. aRxt: Art on Prescription Genevieve M. Cseh and Katrina Heath. Chapter 16. The creative health and wellbeing potential of museums and art galleries to address health inequalities Linda J. M. Thomson and Helen J. Chatterjee. Chapter 17. Earthly Paradise – How Gardening can Improve Wellbeing Petra Walker. Chapter 18. Cinema as a Tool for Human Flourishing: Untapped Value Jeff Miller and Roger Irwin. Chapter 19. Embracing Positive Ageing: Exploring Photography and Positive Psychology in an Elderly Home in Mexico Andrea Giraldez-Hayes and Leon Golub. Chapter 20. The Mindful Kitchen Project- Applied Wellbeing in Culinary Education Annette Sweeney and Jolanta Burke. Chapter 21. Acting and Human Flourishing: Integrating Positive Psychology, Jungian Dreamwork, and the Art of Acting Kim Gillingham and Jeff Miller. Chapter 22. Psychodrama and Character Strengths Dan Tomasulo. Section 4: Arts and Wellbeing Policies and Projects. Chapter 23. Singing and wellbeing Elaine Byrne. Chapter 24. Community art and education María Consuelo Tohme Mantilla. Chapter 25. Art & Human Dignity: Human Rights and Healing Arts for a Culture of Peace Guila Clara Kessous. Chapter 26. The Intersection of Beauty and Wellbeing Anita Murray. Chapter 27. Moving to the Beat and with the Times: Arts and Wellbeing Literacy Education Jacqui Francis and Lisa Baker. Chapter 28: Everyday usage of digital technologies for aesthetic experience and creativity Paweł Fortuna, Magdalena Szubielska, and Monika Dunin-Kozicka.