Exploring how creative work can enhance the health locus of control

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Exploring how creative methods of ‘inner work’ can enhance the health locus of control - with Yellow Wood

  • IRAS ID

    312490

  • Contact name

    Grainne McAnee

  • Contact email

    g.mcanee@ulster.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Ulster University

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 6 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    The aim of this project is to identify the effects of a well-being programme to be rolled out within the community through a GP practice. The core research of the programme centres on the principle of enhancing the internal locus of control thereby contributing to the patients feeling of empowerment and control over their health decisions while acknowledging that locus of control is one factor in the myriad of factors that contribute to well-being. One core element of this work is that it will be done using a trauma informed approach with great sensitivity and care being taken to recognise that each person has a range of experiences, both positive and negative that have led them to participating in the programme.

    Work aimed at increasing the internal locus of control will be done by employing creative processes as ‘inner work’. The facilitation process uses tools such as art as creative expression, voice work, self-help tools such as Emotional Freedom Techniques, Somatic Experiencing Orienting exercises to allow patients to tap into their own inner reserves, making internal discoveries which generate an empowered sense of self concerning their own health and wellbeing. An important core element of the programme is that it is a coproduction between social workers, patients and facilitators.

  • REC name

    HSC REC B

  • REC reference

    22/NI/0044

  • Date of REC Opinion

    23 Mar 2022

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion