| Abstract: |
Background: There is growing evidence of links between arts and creative
activities and mental health, particularly in adolescents. However,
methodologically stronger evidence is needed. Using causal inference methods,
this study examined whether day-to-day arts engagement can improve adolescent
mental health and wellbeing. Methods: The sample included N=13, 058 (42.6%
girls, 12-15y) individuals from the #BeeWell study, a longitudinal study of
adolescents in Greater Manchester (UK). Inverse probability weighting with
regression adjustment was used to assess the effect of engagement with six
different arts and creative activities on subsequent internalising symptoms
and life satisfaction, conditioning on baseline outcomes and covariates.
Results: Engaging in any arts or creative activity several times or more a
year led to increased life satisfaction. Going to the cinema or theatre (but
not other activities) resulted in decreased subsequent internalising symptoms.
Effects on both outcomes did not differ by the number of different activities
young people engaged in or the frequency of engagement. No significant
differences were observed across socio-economic status, gender, or ethnicity.
Conclusions: Regular engagement with arts and creative activities can improve
adolescent life satisfaction. Specific activities can reduce internalising
symptoms. The absence of moderation effects across subgroups indicates these
activities could confer universal benefit. Increasing opportunities to engage
in arts and creative activities is an effective way to improve adolescent
mental health and wellbeing without widening inequalities. |