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The use of “art” as a resource in recovery from the impact of sexual abuse in childhood: A qualitative systematic review

Rouse, Alison; Jenkinson, Elizabeth; Warner, Catherine

The use of “art” as a resource in recovery from the impact of sexual abuse in childhood: A qualitative systematic review Thumbnail


Authors

Alison Rouse Alison.Rouse@uwe.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer in Psychology



Abstract

Background: A qualitative systematic review was undertaken to identify the therapeutic impact of arts-based activities as experienced by adults sexually abused in childhood. Methods: Sixteen studies, identified through a systematic search protocol, were included in a thematic synthesis. Quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Findings: Arts-based activities were identified as offering a safe space, in which to find a voice, to engage in self-exploration, and to communicate experience and connect with others where a new sense of self and empowerment could emerge. Conclusion: Creative activities can play a significant role in the unique paths to recovery that sexual abuse survivors develop. Limitations to the review derive from the small number of papers, methodological weaknesses of the studies and the variation in focus. More research is needed into impact of specific media, and barriers and enablers to using creative activities as a resource.

Citation

Rouse, A., Jenkinson, E., & Warner, C. (2023). The use of “art” as a resource in recovery from the impact of sexual abuse in childhood: A qualitative systematic review. Arts and Health: An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice, 15(1), 86-109. https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2022.2034900

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 21, 2022
Online Publication Date Feb 26, 2022
Publication Date 2023-02
Deposit Date Feb 28, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Arts and Health: An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice
Print ISSN 1753-3015
Electronic ISSN 1753-3023
Publisher Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 15
Issue 1
Pages 86-109
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2022.2034900
Keywords Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous); Medicine (miscellaneous); Arts-based activities; sexual abuse; recovery; qualitative systematic review
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9081685
Publisher URL https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17533015.2022.2034900
Additional Information Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=rahe20; Received: 2021-09-28; Accepted: 2022-01-21; Published: 2022-02-26

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