Arts-based interventions for maternal well-being: a systematic review

This systematic review examines published studies that explore the relationship between arts-based activity and maternal health and/or wellbeing. The review aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the ways in which arts-based practices were being used; some of the outcomes identified; and the way in which outcomes were being measured, evaluated and documented.

Eleven studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Whilst the published research is of varying degrees of methodological rigour and reporting of data, some common themes around the social, psychological, and emotional benefits were identified.

The results suggest that there is a role for arts-based interventions to be used in the following ways:

• as social support for women during the transition to motherhood;
• to facilitate recovery from diagnosed mental disorders such as postnatal depression;
• to prevent stress, anxiety and isolation.

Access the Systematic Review