Background
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. People with ABI may suffer a number of physical and psychological sequelae, negatively impacting their mental health and well-being. Therapeutic interventions usually involve therapies applied in other contexts, with group therapy being especially helpful. Interventions for ABI survivors appear most efficient if they include both psychological and cognitive support, which art therapy may provide. Research results regarding art therapy for ABI patients are promising, and photography can be a particularly accessible art therapy form. However, more research is needed. The subject of this study, PhotoRenga, is a photography workshop developed by an artist and ABI survivor for other ABI patients, which makes the intervention unique. Its impact on the mental health and well-being of people with ABI has not been studied yet and this study aimed to assess it.
Methods
Three participants took part in the study. The study used the mixed methods design: pre- and post-workshop WEMWBS questionnaires, open-ended questions and researcher observation. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.
Results
Quantitative research showed a significant well-being improvement in two of the participants. One participant noted a one-point decrease in his well-being. All participants reported being more interested in new things. Qualitative results indicated that the workshop had inspired a sense of happiness, intellectual stimulation, togetherness, and overcoming barriers to participation.
Conclusions
Study results are promising and warrant further research, especially considering the need for more accessible interventions for ABI patients.
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