A scoping review on arts-based interventions for the mental health of refugee and asylum-seeking children and youth

AIMS: The rising number of displaced children and youth underscores the urgent need for appropriate mental health support. Arts-based interventions (ABI) offer a promising approach to addressing this need. This scoping review aims to map key themes on the effects of the different types of ABI on the mental health of refugee and asylum-seeking children and youth (RASCY), identifying gaps and recommendations for future intervention and mental health policy. METHOD: Literature was searched across Web of Science, PubMed, ERIC, and Scopus (till March 2024) in the English language. A narrative analysis identified themes and mapped the intervention types to the themes. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the eight included studies, indicating that ABI positively impacts RASCY's emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing and behaviour, consistent with the WHO definition of mental health, with an additional outcome: behavioural change. Findings highlight the need for mixed-methods approaches and stand-alone dance, drama and poetry interventions. Future interventions should commit to longer interventions (⩾ 10 weeks), integrate ABI into schools and community settings, and provide training on ABI for both educational and health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong evidence that ABI can effectively improve RASCY's mental health and prevent mental health difficulties by changing behaviour and promoting mental wellbeing. ABI can help these vulnerable populations thrive and contribute to healthier, more inclusive societies. The integration of ABI within mental health intervention and prevention strategies should be promoted and implemented, particularly for RASCY.