The Influence of Creating Art on Depression

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the potential relationship between the amount of time spent creating art and reported depression levels. A literature review of the subject area, art and depression, was performed. A survey that included the PHQ-9, a depression assessment, was completed by 36 participants. Participants for the study were gathered from EKU’s SONA System. The results indicate that there is no correlation between investing time creating art and depression. Further research is necessary to eliminate some of the barriers of our study and further examine the relationship. Previous studies show that investing time in creating art could be the first step on a journey to lessening depressive symptoms. The study was performed to benefit those who suffer with depression, provide accessible ways to cope, and supplement the literature in the field of psychology. Keywords: Art, Creativity, Coping, Depression