ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Engagement in the arts may have health benefits for older adults. Most research has focused on music and dance; less is known about the benefits of other arts interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of visual (ceramics and collage) and literary arts (storytelling and writing) on well-being. METHODS: We used mixed methods to examine the effects of a 12-week visual or literary arts intervention on well-being. Adults age 55 and over from four housing sites were assigned to start an intervention immediately (intervention) or wait 12 weeks (controls). The study included pre/post-test measures of well-being and focus groups about perceived benefits. RESULTS: Compared to controls, participants in the ceramics intervention had significant improvements in interest in life and mastery, while no changes were observed after the storytelling intervention. Seven psychosocial benefits were identified . CONCLUSIONS: Participation in visual and literary arts for older adults was associated with well-being media.
Subject(s)
Dancing , Music , Aged , Focus Groups , Humans , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
Juvenile detainees comprise a population that engages in high-risk behavior. This study examined sexual risk and substance use behavior and the perceptions of African American female adolescent detainees (N = 765) regarding the influence of alcohol and marijuana use on their social and sexual behaviors. Overall, 58% and 64% reported alcohol and marijuana use, respectively. Alcohol's perceived influence on sexual behavior (p < .001) was significantly different between those who drank and those who did not; marijuana's influence on social (p < .01) and sexual (p < .001) behavior was significantly different between those who used marijuana and those who did not. There is a need for further study of the influence of substance use on social and sexual behavior among African American female adolescent detainees.
