Newswise — According to a comprehensive review of available evidence, group-based performing arts have been found to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Researchers from the University of Exeter conducted a study to assess the impact of group-based performing arts therapies on various aspects, including symptom severity, wellbeing, quality of life, functional communication, and social participation. The review encompassed 171 studies, out of which 12 met the screening criteria and were included in the analysis.
These studies, conducted between 2004 and 2021, involved a total of 669 participants from nine different countries who were experiencing anxiety and/or depression. The research encompassed five broad forms of performance art: dance, music therapy, art therapy, martial arts-based therapies, and theatre. Dance emerged as the most extensively studied art form, with five studies included in the review.
Dr. Max Barnish, the lead researcher from the University of Exeter Medical School, highlighted the significance of finding non-drug treatments that alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms, as these conditions pose significant global health challenges. The review revealed promising results across a range of studies, emphasizing the potential of performing arts-based therapies. However, the field of research in this area has shown limited progress, necessitating further exploration.
Dr. Barnish emphasized the importance of researchers collaborating across various performing arts disciplines to compare different group therapies. This comparative analysis would help determine the most effective type of activity for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.
Among the outcomes studied by researchers, anxiety and depression severity garnered the most attention. Approximately 25% of the studies also investigated participants' overall wellbeing, including life satisfaction and social interaction improvements resulting from engaging in the arts. Only two studies examined the impact on quality of life, while none assessed the benefits on everyday communication. The review indicated that although there is promise in this field, further development of the evidence base is warranted.
The paper is entitled ‘Group-based active artistic interventions for adults with primary anxiety and depression: a systematic review’, and is published in BMJ Open.
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