Arts and youth wellbeing: promising results that still need stronger evidence
A meta-analysis of 100 randomised trials found average improvements, while rating the certainty of the key mental-health outcomes as low or very low.
NEYRELEvidence & current research
Blog · Research, read with care.
A curated NEYREL journal on neuroplasticity, creativity, arts education and wellbeing. We explain what each study actually supports—and what it does not.
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We prioritise peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We name uncertainty, distinguish association from causation, and link directly to the academic source.
Latest analyses
Teaching creativity also requires support for the facilitator
A systematic review indicates that educator training needs resources, time, coordination and institutional support to translate into practice.
Creative and recreational activities in cognitive impairment and dementia
A network meta-analysis suggests that different creative modalities may support different cognitive and psychosocial outcomes.
An intensive arts programme and brain connectivity in adolescents with depression
Brain-network connectivity changed after a two-week arts programme, but those changes were not linked to improvement in depressive symptoms.
Arts on prescription for adult wellbeing
A systematic review found consistent wellbeing improvements, but the underlying studies were not designed strongly enough to establish efficacy.
Visual arts education, creativity and flexible brain networks
Design students performed better on creative tasks and showed more efficient, flexible network patterns during idea generation.
NEYREL is an educational and creative method. These summaries are not medical advice or a diagnosis, and they do not replace professional assessment or treatment.
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