Working with museums and individuals with mental health problems
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Museums in Mind: Exploring the therapeutic role of Museums for people with mental health problems, and working towards best practice
IRAS ID
227253
Contact name
Jane Stockdale
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Beckett University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
My doctoral research is entitled Museums in Mind: exploring the therapeutic role of museums for people with mental health problems and working towards best practice.
Whilst there is a growing understanding of the potential role of culture and heritage in wellbeing, it remains a much under-researched area. This project will examine the experience of the museum encounter for individuals with mental health problems. It will explore different ways individuals can engage with museum collections and reactions to this encounter.
I am applying for permission to conduct research with individuals who use services at the Fieldhead Hospital, Wakefield, with the potential to involve other groups at the Recovery Colleges. The research will be conducted alongside the team at the Mental Health Museum at Fieldhead. The team already conduct a variety of museum-based activities with service users. With participant consent, I will observe activity sessions and reflect on the experience with individuals. I will take advice on a case by case basis as to appropriate methods for gaining feedback, but this may include focus groups or interview. From the observations and feedback it is hoped to gain an understanding of:* How museums have been experienced in the past by participants
* What participants have enjoyed about activities undertaken
* Any problems and issues participants experienced when engaging with different museum activities
* The therapeutic benefits of the experience
* How museums might work towards improving the experience and increasing beneficial outcomes for individuals with mental health issues.The research is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and my thesis is due for submission in October 2019. The research hopes to provide an evidence base helping inform future practice in museums and commissioning bodies looking at new ways to aid recovery from mental health conditions.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/YH/0433
Date of REC Opinion
13 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion