Back in April The Lancet had a brief piece by researchers of arts and health cautioning readers about the strength of research results connecting the arts with positive health outcomes.
In general critiques have to do with the research methodologies of various studies. They also mention that the results of some studies aren’t as significant as they may be made out to be.
…a rigorous large-scale randomised trial of singing versus standard physical training…found only modest improvements in exercise capacity and quality of life (far from the minimum important difference), no improvements in anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, or respiratory function, and no differences in outcomes compared with standard physical training.
[…]
We accept that engagement in the arts and cultural activities could represent a positive health resource, but emphasise the importance of a scientific approach which balances optimism with assessments of uncertainty to guide efficient deployment of the arts to benefit health. Further, we believe that the evidence base is still to be established as to whether the arts are as “necessary for our health and wellbeing as are exercise, good nutrition, and sleep”.
I have long been cautious and skeptical of claims about the benefits of arts and culture, partially due to the work of Createquity which spent about a decade scrutinizing research about many aspects of arts and culture practice. They ceased operation back in 2017, but I based a lot of my blog posts on the information they shared across the years.
It is regrettable they shutdown because we continue to need the insight they provided as well as the critical eye they applied to research findings.
