Art and emotional well-being in times of mandatory confinement: Evidence to strengthen the relationship between cultural and Mental health policies

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic has forced governments around the world to enact hitherto unknown measures to curb its worst economic and social consequences. In Spain, Royal Decree 463/2020 of March 14, 2020 declares the state of alarm for the management of the health crisis situation caused by COVID-19. From that moment, the population was confined to their homes in a general way, with minors being locked up between March 14 and April 26, 2020. In this study we identify the behaviors, emotions and physical symptoms that they may have suffered minors derived from confinement. We also analyze whether the development of creative activities during confinement has motivated emotional and behavioral changes in them. The results confirm that the performance of these activities has positive effects, contributing to significantly mitigate some symptoms such as nervousness or excessive attachment to adults, also significantly improving their behavior and attitude in this extraordinary situation. The investigation is completed comparing the effects of confinement with pediatric hospitalization, influencing the attitudinal and sociability changes of minors. Faced with the current trend towards the displacement of artistic education from the curricula, the evidence found reinforces the demands that art occupy a central place in society; a role that goes beyond the narrow space traditionally limited to the Economy of Culture and directed by the market. In conclusion, we reflect on the direction that economic policies should have to relate cultural policy and mental health policies from the early stages.