Proposal Argument Research Essay

Perry 4

Brittany Perry

ENC 1101

Feb. 19, 2021

Topic

Arts has always been recognised as one of the essential parts of the human affective experience, and integral part of human nature, helping create a source of communication of emotions and feelings, a vast area of imagination, with a view of historical and cultural insight, and exploration to the world of past for younger generation (Punzalan). According to Willian Shakespeare, “There are many more things, between heaven and earth, than are dreamt of in your philosophy, Horatio.” William Shakespeare explicitly statements regarding the importance of art draws attention to its effect on individual performance in day-to-day life. Various forms of arts are present, for instance, music, or presence of visual arts, however, performing arts have essential benefits over the other types of arts. The health aspects of performing arts are vast which offers a distinct definable aspect along with repercussions for crucial public health issues pertaining to young people, for instance, psychological health, behavioural health, and physical health (Daykin et al.). The absence of physical activity is highly correlated with obesity in the younger generation (Cruz et al.). Furthermore, there is also greater link with the anxiety, depression and various other mental health issues (Daykin et al.). However, from the past year’s academics are more concerned over the academic output of students completely ignoring the importance of art education on the mental and physical health of younger generations. The current study will focus on the importance of performing arts on the student physical and mental health as well as academic performances.

Over the past years, psychologists have been working on the role of arts being the driver for the healing of a variety of mental health issues, emotions, self-identity, self-reflection, emotional trauma healing, and behavioural aspects (Camic). Performance art has a valuable role in the development of the cognitive ability of individuals, even at a young age. One of the key aspects of such improvements can be analysed in terms of alleviation of exam strain and bereavement. According to the literature study of (Stuckey and Nobel), there is evidence of better mental health outcome in response to arts activities. Another study suggested that people who tend to participate in the creative activities tend to have good health outcomes with 38% of better results, however, good health was more improved in response to engagement in dance art activities with 62% of good health outcome (Allaince). According to Cultural learning Alliance “For a happier, healthier childhood and adulthood, we need the arts embedded in children’s lives, building their self-confidence, sense of identity, communication skills and resilience”. The incorporation of performing arts in daily activity can work as a medicine for people with mental health issues (Currey et al.). Furthermore, it has the ability for people to create networks and socialise which is a good sign of mental health. The incorporation of performing arts even at a community level can rebuild personality and shape it in an effective way to create a balance of life (Young et al.).

The performing art effects are not only limited to mental health but as the sound mind is dependent on the sound body. Performing art is a good source of good physical health. Furthermore, there is a positive linkage between academic performance, management performance, and concentration due to regular physical activities (de Greeff et al.). The incorporation of health and art together can help in the generation of a positive environment for a student, which can help them achieve better in academics. For instance, performing arts and health practices, predominantly dance, dramatics and music, have three common distinguishing elements: as they are interpersonal, temporal and appealing (Sheppard and Broughton). Moreover, physical activities associated with performing at like dancing helps cope youngsters from obesity and its related abnormalities giving better health compared to the absence of performing art activities (Cruz et al.).

From the above analysis, one can conclude that performing art activities enhance student’s ability to achieve better educational outcome due to its effect on the mind and body. Furthermore, performing arts polish their creative skills, with the ability to express their feelings and emotions in a positive way. The presence of performing art will enhance student ability to perform better not only in school life but also in further studies with better health outcome. Thus, one can say that performing art should not be only associated with the particular scheme of studies like humanities, but it should be used in the wider aspect. The result of such integration will enhance students’ performance not only at the academic’s level but also at the level of physical, psychological and behavioural health.

Work Cited

Allaince, Cultural Learning. Why the Arts Makes Us Happier, Healthier. no. 3, 2018, pp. 1–4, https://www.

Camic, Paul M. “Playing in the Mud: Health Psychology, the Arts and Creative Approaches to Health Care.” Journal of Health Psychology, 2008, doi:10.1177/1359105307086698.

Cruz, Theresa H., et al. “Effects of an Obesity Prevention Intervention on Physical Activity Among Preschool Children: The CHILE Study.” Health Promotion Practice, 2016, doi:10.1177/1524839916629974.

Currey, Jovauna, et al. “Performing Arts Medicine.” Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 2020, doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2020.08.001.

Daykin, Norma, et al. “The Impact of Participation in Performing Arts on Adolescent Health and Behaviour: A Systematic Review of the Literature.” Journal of Health Psychology, vol. 13, no. 2, 2008, pp. 251–64, doi:10.1177/1359105307086699.

de Greeff, Johannes W., et al. “Effects of Physical Activity on Executive Functions, Attention and Academic Performance in Preadolescent Children: A Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2018, doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2017.09.595.

Punzalan, Jovita F. “The Impact of Visual Arts in Students ’ Academic Performance.” International Journal of Education and Research, vol. 6, 2018.

Sheppard, Alexa, and Mary C. Broughton. “Promoting Wellbeing and Health through Active Participation in Music and Dance: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, vol. 15, no. 1, 2020, doi:10.1080/17482631.2020.1732526.

Stuckey, Heather L., and Jeremy Nobel. “The Connection between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature.” American Journal of Public Health, vol. 100, no. 2, 2010, pp. 254–263, doi:10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497.

Young, Rhea, et al. “The Impact of Community-Based Arts and Health Interventions on Cognition in People with Dementia: A Systematic Literature Review.” Aging and Mental Health, 2016, doi:10.1080/13607863.2015.1011080.