“What is the evidence..."
World Health Organization (2019)
On November 11, 2019, the WHO, after considering thousands of studies and research, publishes a review entitled
“What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being”
(Fancourt and Finn, 2019) in which it concludes that there is evidence that art has a strong impact on people's physical and mental health.
Referring to adolescents, they affirm that there is evidence that art offers positive results in the
prevention of depression, anxiety, supporting the development of self-esteem, self-acceptance, an increase in self-confidence and self-concept, as well as eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder among others.
With all this, the WHO advises to
include art and the humanities
in the training of health professionals and, in turn, advises the European member countries to support the development of strategies that include greater collaboration between the health sectors and the artistic ones.
Fancourt D., & Finn S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; (Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report 67).
