ABSTRACT

Background: We examine the experience of participating in creative arts groups for Palestinians living under the shadow of military conflict.

Methods: 14 men and women aged 17–50 were recruited from community creative arts groups to participate in one of three semi-structured group interviews. Interviews explored participants’ perceptions of the creative arts groups, including how they came to participate in the group and how they felt about their involvement.

Results: An inductive thematic analysis identified three central themes: “An emptying”, “Growth in the face of challenge”, and “A rare freedom”. The themes capture the extreme challenges participants faced and the protective effects of the creative arts groups on wellbeing. Participating in creative arts activities, such as writing, drawing, and music, encourages self-expression and release, personal exploration and escapism.

Conclusions: In the face of traumatic experiences, restrictions, and poverty associated with living in an occupied land, creative arts groups can be liberating and support wellbeing.

摘要

背景：我们研究了生活在军事冲突阴影下的巴勒斯坦人参加创意艺术团体的经历。

方法：从社区创意艺术团体招募 14 名 17-50 岁的男性和女性，参加三个半结构化小组访谈之一。访谈探讨了参与者对创意艺术团体的看法，包括他们如何参与该团体以及他们对参与的感受。

结果：归纳主题分析确定了三个中心主题：“排空”、“面对挑战的成长”和“难得的自由”。这些主题捕捉了参与者面临的极端挑战以及创意艺术团体对健康的保护作用。参与创意艺术活动，如写作、绘画和音乐，鼓励自我表达和释放、个人探索和逃避现实。

结论：面对生活在被占领土地上的创伤经历、限制和贫困，创意艺术团体可以解放和支持幸福。