The impact of arts-inclusive programs on young children's mental health and wellbeing: a rapid review

BackgroundThis review evaluated the existing literature exploring the effects of arts-inclusive programs (AIPs) on the mental health and wellbeing of young children. AIPs include activities, programs, or interventions containing creative arts.MethodsLiterature searches were conducted across three databases (SCOPUS, psycINFO, and ERIC). The search was restricted to studies reporting outcomes of children 0-6 years.ResultsNine studies were included in the review (3,671 participants). Three key themes were identified: music-related (n = 4); artmaking (n = 3); and storytelling/drama (n = 2). All included studies reported positive outcomes on children's wellbeing following engagement in AIPs.DiscussionThis review found emerging evidence demonstrating positive impacts of arts engagement on the wellbeing of children aged 0-6. However, most studies were low quality and used varying outcome measures. The review is one of the first to highlight the lack of high-quality studies on the relationship between AIPs and wellbeing in young children.