Co-creative art processes with patients: A theoretical framework and qualitative study among artists

Abstract

A cancer diagnosis may be experienced as a contingent life event. Co-creation—in which artists together with patients create a work of art reflecting on aspects of the patients’ life story—may be used to support patients to integrate such a contingent life event into their life story. We conducted a qualitative study in which we interviewed 10 professional artists to explore if co-creative art processes could facilitate integration of experiences of contingency in patients. Template analyses were performed in AtlasTi. We identified co-creation as a specific form of support to the process of integration of experiences of contingency. In the formation of a new life narrative, patients transcend the boundaries of their previous life narrative by changing their perspective. Self-transcendence forms a pivotal point in co-creation, which may be helpful for patients to integrate experiences of contingency into their life narratives.

Exploring resonance theory and uncontrollability during co‐creative art making: A qualitative study among cancer patients

“…In previous research, 13 we found that the integration of experiences of contingency showed resemblances with resonance theory, as described by Rosa 17–19 . Resonance theory and contingency have previously been used as a theoretical framework in research on cancer patients, investigating a process of observing art works to create new meaning 20 .…”

“…Palliative cancer patients participated in the ISOS project, which is a narrative multimodal intervention aimed at enhancing quality of life 11,13,14 . ISOS is a joint project of the Department of Medical Oncology of Amsterdam University Medical Centres in collaboration with the Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies of the Radboud University, Nijmegen, the University of the Arts Utrecht and Amsta Healthcare Organisation Amsterdam.…”

“…The experience of not knowing when and how the world is going to affect us, or not knowing beforehand how to relate to the experience. Unexpectedness is ingrained in the full experience of resonance a Category definitions based on Weeseman et al 13 the other 15 patients. In total, 35 patients have been invited to enrolment in ISOS of which 10 declined participation.…”

“…Unexpectedness is ingrained in the full experience of resonance". 13 The three phases of resonance theory could provide a theoretical framework to explain and understand how patients are receptive to the experience of contingency, encounter uncontrollability and subsequently transform themselves and their life narrative during co-creation. An experience of contingency can leave patients searching for ways to describe and understand their interpretation crisis.…”

“…For the current study, we define uncontrollability as “the experience of not knowing when and how the world is going to affect us, or not knowing beforehand how to relate to the experience. Unexpectedness is ingrained in the full experience of resonance” 13 …”