ABSTRACT
The relationship between arts and health and wellbeing is complex and multifaceted. There is extensive evidence that experiencing or participating in the arts positively impacts people’s physical, mental and psychological wellbeing and can be integrated into holistic approaches to life and healthcare. Furthermore, art-based activities can be used in various settings and tailored to meet individuals’ and communities’ specific needs and goals. Positive psychology, building on the experience and research findings produced in professional and academic fields such as psychology, education, health, mental health, sociology, and philosophy, has more recently considered the role of arts and humanities from a different perspective, focusing on their potential to enhance human flourishing. This chapter explores the theory and practice of arts-based interventions that promote positive psychological outcomes and the use of arts as tools in various positive psychology interventions.
