Art-Based Well-Being Interventions for Stress-Related Clinical Risk: A Narrative Review and Translational Framework for Preventive Medical Science

Abstract Background: Stress-related clinical risk is one of the most important challenges for contemporary preventive medicine. Chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, sleep disruption, sedentary behaviour, social disconnection and loss of meaning contribute to pathways associated with mental health disorders, cardiovascular risk, metabolic dysfunction, burnout and reduced adherence to care. At the same time, medical science is increasingly moving toward integrative, lifestyle-based and person-centred models capable of addressing biological, psychological, behavioural and social determinants of health. Objective: This article reviews the clinical rationale for arts-based well-being interventions as complementary strategies for stress-related risk reduction and proposes a translational framework linking art, emotional regulation, lifestyle medicine and preventive medical science. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using international literature on stress physiology, allostatic load, burnout, lifestyle medicine, social prescribing, arts in health, art therapy, music interventions, well-being science, social connection, digital health and non-communicable disease prevention. The article does not report original clinical data. It synthesises existing evidence and develops a structured framework for future clinical research and implementation. Results: The literature suggests that arts-based interventions may contribute to emotional expression, stress regulation, attention, social connection, meaning-making, identity reconstruction and behavioural activation. These mechanisms are medically relevant because they may influence modifiable risk factors associated with chronic disease, psychological distress, health behaviours and occupational functioning. However, evidence remains heterogeneous, and stronger clinical trials, standardised outcomes and implementation studies are required. Conclusion: Arts-based well-being interventions should not be presented as substitutes for medical treatment, psychotherapy or pharmacological care. Nevertheless, when designed responsibly, they may provide valuable complementary tools within preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine, occupational health, community health and social prescribing. An eight-domain framework is proposed to guide future research and practice: body, thought, emotions, transcendence and meaning, social connection, professional life, financial behaviour and digital health.