Creative expression and mental health

Abstract

This review examines the transformative impact creativity has on mental health. Creative expression has the potential to promote the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social well-being of individuals of all ages. Drawing from various scholarly sources, including empirical studies and theoretical frameworks, this review synthesizes the current knowledge on the relationship between creativity and mental health. The review elucidates how creativity influences emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and social connectedness. Through a detailed literature search utilizing databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, PsychARTICLES, and Google Scholar, research findings from articles across different creative activities, including visual arts, writing, music, and crafts/DIY projects, are discussed in conjunction with reported benefits on mental health and well-being. Furthermore, the review discusses the practical implications of the positive link between creative expression and mental health, emphasizing the relevance of this for therapeutic interventions and community programs. The findings highlight the need for further research to explore the underlying mechanisms, long-term effects, and potential cultural variations of the creativity-mental health relationship. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the positive influences, inviting researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to harness the healing power of creative expression.