Creative Forces: Research
The impact of Creative Forces is measured through rigorous qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation. It is brought to life through the stories of people who have been able to access the healing power of the arts.
Download the Clinical Publications Inventory – An inventory of Creative Forces published research and scholarly manuscripts as of August 2024. Each listing includes the open access link for the article.
BRIDGING RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
We invest in research on the physical, social, and emotional impacts and benefits of creative arts therapies. In partnership with the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Creative Forces aims to advance knowledge, leverage subject-matter expertise, and promote the use of best practices.
Creative Forces clinical research investigates how creative arts therapies impact:
- Recovery from traumatic experiences
- Reduction of the symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain
- Improved emotional expression and awareness
- Reduction of isolation and stigma
- Increased interpersonal relatedness and positive emotion
Creative Forces has also conducted research on the feasibility and effectiveness of creative arts therapies in military treatment facilities, in outpatient treatment settings, and through telehealth.
Creative Forces clinical research findings have been published in 25 peer-reviewed articles since 2016.
CLINICAL RESEARCH
Creative Forces has published 26 peer-reviewed research studies on the impact of creative arts therapies for patients with traumatic brain injuries and associated psychological health issues.
Clinical research findings indicate that creative arts therapies can:
- Enable recovery from traumatic experiences
- Reduce symptoms associated with PTSD
- Foster the ability to experience hope and gratification
- Reduce isolation and stigma associated with traumatic brain injuries and associated psychological health issues