How arts-based methods are used to support the resilience and well-being of young people: a review of the literature

Adolescence is a developmental phase during which young people experience profound physical, emotional and social changes. The diversity and complexity of these changes has increased exponentially over the last 20 years. The arts provide important opportunities to enhance the resilience of adolescents with the benefits of engagement including improved interpersonal connectedness and greater short and long-term well-being. Cognisant of the complexity the authors recognise, a collective collation and analysis of the literature concerned with resilience, well-being and young people with a particular focus on the contribution of the arts to this area is valuable. This chapter ascertains how socioecological perspectives of the interrelations between well-being and resilience are being employed within existing structures and mechanisms in and through the arts to support young people to embrace specific enablers, or overcome inhibitors of their personal resilience and well-being.