A study discovered that Creativity Camp, a two-week arts-focused day camp, positively influenced the mental health and well-being of adolescents dealing with depression.
In a publication in Child Psychiatry and Human Development, a research group from the University of Minnesota Medical School indicated that Creativity Camp, which spans two weeks and is structured as a day camp, beneficially affected the mental health and overall well-being of young people suffering from depression.
The study suggests that participation in the arts can provide a meaningful avenue for individuals to explore and develop new thought processes, gain insights, and foster self-discovery.
“As a clinician, I recognize the pressing need for innovative treatment options for adolescents struggling with depression. The results found in this study are encouraging, and I hope they will inspire further research into how arts-based initiatives like Creativity Camp can assist teens with depression in their journey to recovery and personal growth,” remarked Kathryn Cullen, MD, a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a child and adolescent psychiatrist at M Health Fairview. She also holds a position at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain.
The research team is continuing to analyze brain imaging and cognitive data collected during the intervention to assess its effects on the brain and cognitive function. In their future studies, they aim to determine whether their results can be replicated with a control group and a larger participant pool.
This research was supported by funding from Minnesota Futures via the University of Minnesota’s Research & Innovation Office, the University of Minnesota Medical School, and the University of Minnesota Foundation.
