Using Creative Arts Therapy to Promote Academic Success in the Postsecondary Setting: A Secondary Narrative Review of Preliminary Findings from 2009 to 2019

Abstract

Background: The application of creative arts therapies (CATs) in schools has become an area of interest among educational researchers. Much of the literature has concentrated on the K-12 setting, with a minor focus on how CATs have been utilized to achieve academic success. Inquiries examining how CATs in the postsecondary setting have targeted academic success have yet to be aggregated and reviewed for their specific contributions. Purpose: This secondary narrative review of CAT-based educational interventions analyzes preliminary literature gathered from a larger systematic review on the application of CATs in K-12 schools. In the present review, CATs are considered for their unique contributions to postsecondary academic success through experiential learning. Methodology: The identification procedure is situated in the context of the initial systematic review and outlined according to carryover elements useful for the present analysis. Findings/Conclusions: All CATs were represented, a majority featured undergraduates, qualitative data, and experiential interventions; all studies demonstrated academic utility via an empirical lens. Implications: Based on this initial analysis, CATs may be uniquely suited to promote academic success by developing affective awareness and leveraging group processes for institutional integration. Limitations and considerations to promote academic success via CATs in postsecondary education are offered.