The effects of crafts-based interventions on mental health and well-being: A systematic review

Introduction

A recent upsurge of interest in the health benefits of crafts for mental health and well-being has not been supported by systematic reviews of the effectiveness of crafts-based interventions, prior to this review.

Methods

Five databases were searched: Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCO), APA PsycInfo (EBSCO), Eric (EBSCO), and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. No date limitations were applied. The search was carried out in January 2024 and supplemented by citation searches in June 2024.

Results

The initial search yielded 14,115 papers; the citation search produced 226 additional references. Nineteen studies in total met the inclusion criteria.

Across the 19 studies, there is a wide variety of research designs and a range of crafts used as media for therapy. Interventions were delivered or supervised by either art therapists, nurses, or occupational therapists. Only nine studies report the theoretical basis for the intervention. Treatment duration varies from 10 min to 16 weeks.

Quality assessment revealed the quality of the studies varies considerably, with some studies of high-quality and many suffering from methodological weaknesses. Common issues relating to risk of bias include failure to blind assessors; incomplete data and lack of clarity about how the intervention was administered.

All the studies report short-term improvements in the outcomes measured, which include anxiety, stress, depression, interest in life, self-efficacy, social skills, sociability, mood, well-being, self-esteem, life satisfaction, health-related quality of life, and hopelessness.

Due to the wide variation in interventions, research designs, outcomes, outcome measures, and research quality, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of crafts-based interventions.

Conclusion

There is some evidence that crafts-based interventions may benefit mental health and well-being, but more high-quality research is needed, including on the mechanisms through which crafts-based interventions operate.

Consumer and community involvement

No consumer or community involvement.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Reports from the media suggest that doing crafts may improve mental health. Crafts are, for example, knitting, sewing, and pottery. Therapists have used crafts for years to treat mental illnesses. However, there is no strong proof that these treatments are effective for clients or worth the cost.

This paper reviews the effects of craft-based treatments. The review found 19 studies that looked at whether people felt better after doing crafts. The participants included men and women with various physical, mental, and social problems. These issues included mental disorders, osteoarthritis, epilepsy, and dementia. Pottery, embroidery, knitting, papercraft, and woodwork were used. Some people did crafts for 10 min, while others had several sessions over weeks.

All 19 studies showed that mood and life satisfaction improved after the treatment. But, only one study checked if these improvements lasted in the weeks after.

It is encouraging to see that people feel better after doing crafts. But, these 19 studies together do not prove that the benefits last long-term. More research is needed to get clearer answers.