Self-esteem—how positively we view our own abilities and accomplishments, and how positively we believe others view us—is vital to our emotional well-being. What if we told you that the key to boosting self-esteem may be found in the arts?
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February 2023
HUMANITIES AND HUMAN FLOURISHING NEWSLETTER
Advancing the understanding, assessment, and cultivation of well-being by means of a deep and sustained collaboration between the arts, humanities, and the social sciences
The Self-Esteem Boosting Power of the Arts
Self-esteem—how positively we view our own abilities and accomplishments, and how positively we believe others view us—is vital to our emotional well-being. While most people strive for greater self-esteem, it can be difficult to attain.
But what if we told you that the key to boosting self-esteem may be found in the arts?
The arts have long been recognized for their ability to inspire creativity and self-expression, but recent studies have shown that they can also have a significant impact on self-esteem, self-worth, and overall well-being.
A study by Mak and Fancourt found that participating in arts activities such as music, art, and reading for enjoyment can boost self-esteem in children. The relationship between arts engagement and self-esteem is even stronger when children engage in these activities with their parents. For parents looking for a fun way to bond with your child, consider signing up for a music class or picking up some art supplies and creating together.
Feeling down? Try singing! Another study by Boyd et al. found that singing in a group can have a positive effect on mood and self-esteem. This is great news for those looking for a simple and easily disseminated way to boost emotional well-being among community members.
Art isn't just for the young and able, it can also be a powerful tool for improving the lives of those with dementia along with their caregivers. Richards et al. tested an easy-to-replicate Visual Arts Education program among 26 pairs of people with dementia and their caregivers. The study found that after participating in the program, caregivers and those with dementia both reported significant improvements in self-esteem. An art class is a wonderful way to meaningfully connect with a loved one living with dementia.
These studies on a wide range of groups suggest the arts can provide an accessible and effective way to boost self-esteem and improve overall well-being. The next time you're looking for a way to feel better about yourself, consider picking up a paintbrush, a musical instrument, or a book, and experience how the arts can transform your life.
Consider an act of arts participation or artistic creativity you’ve engaged with recently. Perhaps you’ve read a book, watched a movie, attended a concert, or went to a museum. Or maybe you’ve even spent time acting in a play in your community theater, writing a novel or book of poetry, participating in a quilting bee, composing a sweet tune on your ukulele, or taking an introduction to watercolor class at your local art center. Whatever the activity, reflect on how engaging in the arts impacted your capacity to appreciate your abilities and accomplishments. How did it feel to immerse yourself in a work of art or to be uniquely part of something you or your community created?
Self-Esteem and the Arts in Research
A 2022 research study by Sun examined the role of music education to benefit self-esteem, self-efficacy, psychological well-being, and academic performance in Chinese students. Their work found that music education improved self-esteem and self-efficacy which in turn was associated with greater psychological well-being.
Self-Esteem and the Arts in Practice
The National Veteran’s Memorial and Museum has launched its latest exhibition, titled IDENTITY, featuring artworks by veterans who found healing and connection through arts and music. The show demonstrates the power of art-making to build resilience, coping, self-esteem and well-being.
HHF News
HHF Project Director James O. Pawelski serves as the editor for the Humanities and Human Flourishing book series with Oxford University Press. This month, we will publish the fifth volume in the series:
- Theater and Human Flourishing edited by Harvey Young
In case you missed them, previously published volumes in the series include:
- Philosophy and Human Flourishing edited by John J. Stuhr
- History and Human Flourishing edited by Darrin M. McMahon
- Cinema, Media, and Human Flourishing edited by Timothy Corrigan
- Literary Studies and Human Flourishing edited by James F. English and Heather Love
Look out for the remaining books in this nine-volume series over the course of the next year.
Upcoming Events
As part of the HHF colloquium series, we are hosting a series of conversations between scientists and practitioners on the arts, culture, and well-being. This spring, we will hear from innovators working in research institutions and cultural organizations on how engagement in the visual arts, music, and theater can promote well-being in individuals and communities. We welcome you to join us for these virtual events and to take part in these important exchanges:
- Wednesday, February 22, 2023 | 3:30 to 5:00pm ET - Thalia R. Goldstein, Philip Chen, & Meera Menon, discussing theater, acting, improv, and youth well-being (more information and registration here)
Couldn't make it to one of our past colloquia? Check out the recording on our HHF YouTube Channel.
This newsletter was created by Andrew Trousdale, Katherine Cotter, Sarah Sidoti, and James Pawelski.
