Exploring Art Hives: Implications of virtual art studio communities on positive and negative affect

This study investigated the relationship between virtual Art Hives, a community art studio program, and positive and negative affect in 24 undergraduate college students. Past research indicated a sharp increase in anxiety disorders and depression in adults in the United States (Gallagher, 2010). However, art making has been shown to decrease negative affect and increase positive affect. Furthermore, a strong sense of community has been shown to buffer against symptoms of anxiety and depression. In this study, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS: Watson & Clark, 1988) and the Sense of Community Index-2 (SCI-2: Chavis et al., 2008) measured sense of community and changes in affect before and after virtually participating in an Art Hive. Participants could use any materials available to them during participation. Results showed significant improvements in positive affect after participation but no significant changes in negative affect. Additionally, sense of community was found to be a significant predictor of changes in positive affect. These findings suggest that a brief period of art making virtually with other people can significantly improve positive affect, which may have implications for art studio communities as resources for the well-being of college students and others.