Johnna Scott
ENG110 section C
1 November 2019
Elisha Emerson
Connecting Arts and Science: The Benefits Behind Integration of Art and phycology
Arts and Science are both fundamental building blocks in each and everyone’s lives starting at a young age in school. However, throughout history, science has been seen as the focus in education and medicine pushing the arts aside. Art is categorized as a hobby or chore for some kids, creating a negative connotation with art. However, art can be integrated positively in many ways, one of them being in the medical field. YoYo Ma writes in his essay “Necessary Edges: Arts, Empathy, and Education” his stance on the importance of the integration of arts within institutions. “When analyzing arts potential role in society our eyes are open to the powerful effects it could have, not only at a classroom standpoint but in the medical field.” By joining of arts and science we have the potential to create a platform for young children that are victims of abuse. There is the possibility of art and psychology coming together to form a road to recovery, as well as help develop a solid reputation for arts in society.
How can we use the integration of art to our advantage? By taking advantage of the new ideas related to art and science we can widen our scope of art as a healing property. The arts, open doors to new and innovative creative ideas. American author Jonah Lehrer writes in “The Future of Science… Is Art?” his take on the integration of arts and science by connecting neurosciences use of art and how the qualities of artistic expression can enhance scientists research. “By taking these artistic explorations seriously, neuroscientists can better understand the holistic properties they are trying to parse.” This idea shows how arts implications can open the mind to think of new ideas. Lehrer explains throughout his essay the importance of arts power to open scientists minds to research. How can we use this knowledge of the integration of art and science to our advantage when referring to more important issues such as mental health. By incorporating artistic expression into scientific work we are able to see things in a different light.
When considering child psychological abuse we are often closed off to new and creative approaches and pushed toward basic treatments such as medication, having science behind all the healing. Why be closed off to the idea that only science benefits health when we have bountiful amounts of research considering arts ability to help. Child abuse is a overwhelming topic, however is extremly common in households. In American Academy of Pediatrics a portion of their research is on child psychological abuse. The author explains the effetcs and complexities of psycological abuse, “ Phycological abuse is arguably the most poorly understood form of child maltreatment;comapred with physical and sexual abuse, much less is known about its presentation, causes, consequences, prevention and treatment.” So with the unknowingness of psychological abuse we should have open minds on new ideas that could be integrated in to resolve issues surrounding abuse. Art therapy is upcoming in the industry, using expression to help heal. Art therapy uses the knowledge of science and psychology and the creativity of art to help children in these scenarios. The introduction of art therapy could potentially lead to positive change in the health field.
Art therapy is a form of treatment using art and expression while also using psychological indicators to help target a problem. Doctors and art therapists can use this form of therapy as a way to help people heal from past and present experiences. This imediatly ties into child abuse. In an article I read “Child Art Therapy: How it Works” the author focuses on art therapist purpose, and point out the qualities this form of healing has, “In particular, certain sensory characteristics of art making seem to be effective in improving mood, sensory integration, and calming the body and mind, especially with children who have experienced traumatic events.” We can use this information to connect it with child psychological abuse and the lack of knowledge we have on that topic. By learning these new sciences such as art therapy, it creates another outlet for physicians to work on ways to enhance their clients healing process. I believe it is important to have an open mind about new sciences. We grow our knowledge and understanding by trying new ideas. The new idea of art therapy is extremely popular and I see being of great use surrounding psychological abuse in the years to come.
Arts and science are both polar opposites, but have unique attributes that when put together spark magic. The ability to join two forms of life and learning, together is remarkable. The joint efforts of both arts and science have built building blocks for a brighter future when relating to mental health and I’m excited to see where it takes us. Not only will art be seen as a pastime, but will be building its professional reputation in the scientific world as a healing tool. We can use our knowledge of integration of the arts and science to our advantage and show the critics of art that there should be no skepticism. By opening our eyes to this new technology we enhance the science of the future.
Works Cited
Ma, Yo-Yo. “Necessary Edges: Arts, Empathy, and Education.”Emerging Contemporary Readings for Writers, edited by Barclay Barrios, 3rd ed, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2016, pp257-261.
Child Abuse: Overview and Evaluation, edited by Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) American, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uneedu/detail.action?docID=5739894.
Lehre, Jonah.”The Future of science… is Art?”, 2008, pp.1-7.
“Child Art Therapy: How It Works.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/arts-and-health/201601/child-art-therapy-how-it-works. Berinstein , ike. “How Does Art Therapy Heal the Soul? | The Science of Happiness.” YouTube, YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN2rTaFUlxs&feature=youtu.be.
