WeARTolerance: Reducing Mental Health Stigma in Youth through Arts
Author Information
Author(s): Beato Ana, da Costa Leonor Pereira, Carvalho Ana, Albuquerque Sara, Santos Isabel
Primary Institution: Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
Hypothesis
Can an arts-based program effectively reduce mental health-related stigma among young people?
Conclusion
The WeARTolerance program significantly improved mental health knowledge and reduced stigma and intergroup anxiety among participants.
Supporting Evidence
- The program led to significant improvements in mental health knowledge.
- Participants reported reduced social distance towards individuals with mental health issues.
- Intergroup anxiety decreased significantly after the program.
- Social stigma towards mental health problems was reduced and maintained over time.
- Qualitative feedback indicated high satisfaction with the program's activities.
Takeaway
This study shows that using art can help kids understand mental health better and be nicer to those who have problems.
Methodology
The study used a mixed-methods design with quantitative measures at three time points and qualitative focus groups to assess the program's impact.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported measures and the absence of a control group.
Limitations
The study lacked a control group, which limits the ability to draw causal conclusions.
Participant Demographics
{"age_range":"11 to 21 years","mean_age":13.7,"gender_distribution":{"female":63.9,"male":36.1},"mental_health_conditions":{"yes":13.6,"no":86.4}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
[0.47, 2.00]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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