BLACK-ARTS: a qualitative study exploring the insights of black young people with psychiatric disorders and the uses of creative arts therapies to improve mental well-being

作者：Applewhite B, Birnkammer S, Hartland V, Campbell O, Horsley C, Meghen-Prudhoe R, Crane J, Berry M, Singh I, Buckman JEJ, Kringelbach M · 发表于：BMJ mental health · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1136/bmjment-2026-302491 · 研究领域：Art Therapy、Mental Disorders、Black People、Humans、Female、Adolescent、Male、Qualitative Research、Young Adult、England、Focus Groups、Psychological Well-Being

BACKGROUND: Black people experience persistent inequalities in mental health outcomes, access and care quality compared with their white counterparts. These disparities are compounded by structural racism and a lack of culturally competent care within National Health Service (NHS) services. Creative arts therapies (CATs), including music, art, dance and drama therapy, may offer culturally relevant, non-verbal approaches to mental health support for this population. OBJECTIVE: To explore how black young people with mental health challenges and NHS clinicians perceive the usefulness and cultural relevance of CATs and to examine their potential as culturally competent interventions for improving mental well-being. METHODS: A qualitative, multicentre study was conducted across five NHS Trusts in England. 20 black service users (aged 16-24) and 15 clinicians participated in 10 online focus groups (45-60 min each). Transcripts were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis method constructed with NVivo V.12 software. Coding was led by the first author, with regular discussions with a second researcher to refine interpretations and develop themes. FINDINGS: Five overarching themes were identified: (1) creative arts as vehicles for emotional healing, identity and agency, (2) challenges and barriers to CAT implementation, (3) disconnection and mistrust within clinical encounters, (4) discovering therapeutic potential through creative experience and (...