The impact of performing arts on mental health, social connection, and creativity in university students: a Randomised Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

University students often face mental health challenges, exacerbated by stigmas that hinder seeking support and treatment. We introduce a participatory arts programme, Movin' and Groovin' for Wellness (MGW), that features facilitated drumming and dancing sessions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the MGW programme on students' mental health, social connections, and creativity.

Methods

A 10-week pilot parallel Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted with 76 participants randomly assigned into an Experimental (MGW) group (N= 38) or a Control group (N= 38). Data were collected at baseline, midway, and post-intervention. Mental health was evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale- 21 (DASS-21), and quality of life via the WHO Quali

SUBMITTER: Agres KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12046858 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature