The arts are more than just fun and entertainment. Whether you’re an artist or a patron, the performing arts bring joy to all, but did you know that they offer significant mental health benefits for people of all ages?
Let’s dive into how participating in the performing arts and attending events can boost well-being for everyone, providing mental health benefits from children to adults.
Impact on Children’s Mental Health
Surprising Statistics
Did you know that one in five children will face mental health concerns by the time they finish grade school? Research has revealed that schools with music programs have a higher attendance rate (93.3%) compared to those without (84.9%). This demonstrates just how important the performing arts can be to a child’s learning development.
Helping Kids Thrive
The performing arts can also help children manage anxiety, stress, and depression. Studies have found that kids who frequently participate in the arts have better overall mental health.
Additionally, the arts provide a safe space for kids to explore who they are, connect with like-minded peers, and feel a sense of belonging. They also teach empathy and expose children to different cultures, traditions, and experiences.
Personal Growth Through the Arts
Building Confidence
Involvement in the arts can help children and teens build confidence and self-esteem. Theater, for example, teaches that it’s okay for kids to express themselves, make mistakes, and can help to minimize the fear of public speaking. These experiences also support the development of quick thinking and improvisation skills.
Academic Advantages
Recent research supports that children and teens involved in the performing arts learn skills often not found in the classroom. Schools with music programs help to develop students’ social-emotional and interpersonal skills. This allows them to better handle constructive criticism and can improve academic achievement. These schools also see higher attendance rates, and children who study music tend to have better reading levels and vocabularies. The performing arts teach students discipline, focus, memorization, and concentration.
What’s more, studies also found that students with access to music and the arts score higher on standardized tests and have something to look forward to during the school day, keeping them more engaged with their education
Lifelong Benefits
For Adults
Adults can benefit from the performing arts, too. Studying the arts in college helps develop skills such as communication, management, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability. The arts create a community where adults can express their emotions and try out new hobbies. Some may even pursue a career in the performing arts upon graduation.
Further, older adults also gain from participating in the arts. Over the years, research has uncovered that the performing arts can help reduce anxiety and loneliness while also providing a sense of purpose.
In short, engaging in the arts brings joy, excitement, a sense of belonging, and better overall mental health to all ages!
Our Commitment
At DPAC, we are committed to promoting the performing arts and all of the benefits they bring. Whether on stage or attending a performance, the arts can enhance our lives in so many ways.
What better way to benefit your mental health than experiencing a performance during our 20th anniversary season? Join us in becoming united in heart and mind this year, and be sure to check out our Presenting Series lineup.
