Developing an evaluation strategy in Kashmir: Assessing the impact of an arts intervention with school children in an area of conflict

Holt, Nicola; Buser, M; Brännlund, E; Mytton, J; Leeson, L; Sinha, Vikramjeet; Roy, Anurupa

Abstract

This 'in practice' article describes and reflects on the mixed methodology used in a realist evaluation of the impact of an arts intervention for children (aged 10-15) in a school in Kashmir, an area of conflict. The evaluation focused on art based qualitative methods and observational quantitative methods, informed through co-production, where it was agreed that a non-stigmatising approach, avoiding language that indicated a focus on mental health, or asking children directly about their own mental health and traumatic experiences, was important. This was for various reasons: trust; safety; cultural context; and narrative. It is hoped that this report will be useful for others designing research and evaluation in similar contexts.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 10, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Nov 6, 2024
• Publication Date: Sep 30, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 10, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 9, 2025
• Journal: Perspectives in Public Health
• Print ISSN: 1757-9139
• Electronic ISSN: 1757-9147
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 144
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 273-275
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17579139241287020
• Keywords: Children, conflict, arts and health, wellbeing, Kashmir
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12881056
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/rsh