ABSTRACT
It is often claimed that creative arts adult community learning (ACL) has distinctive benefits for mental health and well-being. In response to this claim, this chapter presents a review of research on the mental health and well-being outcomes of creative arts ACL compared with other kinds of ACL. Drawing on a wide range of literature that includes a recent study of creative arts ACL, mutuality, and mental health and well-being conducted by the author and colleagues, it also explores the processes through which creative arts ACL produces mental health and well-being benefits. Four themes are outlined: Absorption, relaxation and “being present”; Self-expression, communication, and understanding of self and others; Enduring interest, enjoyment, and social connection and support; and Identity work, social contribution, and reciprocity. The discussion includes consideration of critiques of the mental health and well-being agenda for ACL, specifically whether this agenda is inappropriately displacing core educational objectives, and whether creative arts ACL is a constructive response to women’s emotional distress, much of which may be viewed as the psychological consequences of injustice.
