Victoria Tischler | University of Surrey (original) (raw)

Papers by Victoria Tischler

J of Dementia Care, 2017

Artistic and creative activities are increasingly recognised as tools to support people with deme... more Artistic and creative activities are increasingly recognised as tools to support people with dementia. They can share these activities on equal terms with everyone else and the arts can help them to overcome the barriers they often face through cultural participation and social engagement. Participation in artistic activities provides mental stimulation, exercises existing skills and offers new learning experiences.

This paper analyses how the methodological approach for a major Arts and Humanities Research Coun... more This paper analyses how the methodological approach for a major Arts and Humanities Research Council and Economic and Social Research Council-funded project entitled Dementia and Imagination 11 http://dementiaandimagination.org.uk/
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was formulated. This multidisciplinary project brings together the arts and humanities with the social sciences with their different epistemological philosophies and subsequent understandings of research methods. The main objective was to determine how visual arts activities may change, sustain and catalyse community cultures, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours to create dementia-friendly communities. This project involves 6 different UK universities, 14 researchers, 10 formal partners, 7 project artists, 3 research artists and a large number of civil society organisations. The analysis presents a series of themes that have been identified as influencing the approach taken to develop methods which aimed to speak to different audiences in the social sciences, arts and humanities, policy/practice and public domains. It is concluded that a research project of this type needs to embrace a wide variety of epistemological positions if it is to successfully achieve its objectives. This paper contributes to knowledge about how the methodology of large-scale multidisciplinary projects may be constructed which will be of value to those building research consortia across different universities and between universities and community partners.

Introduction Dementia and Imagination is a multidisciplinary research collaboration bringing toge... more Introduction Dementia and Imagination is a multidisciplinary research collaboration bringing together arts and science to address current evidence limitations around the benefits of visual art activities in dementia care. The research questions ask: Can art improve quality of life and well-being? If it does make a difference, how does it do this—and why? Does it have wider social and community benefits?

Methods and analysis This mixed-methods study recruits participants from residential care homes, National Health Service (NHS) wards and communities in England and Wales. A visual art intervention is developed and delivered as 1×2-hour weekly group session for 3 months in care and community settings to N=100 people living with dementia. Quantitative and qualitative data are collected at 3 time points to examine the impact on their quality of life, and the perceptions of those who care for them (N=100 family and professional carers). Repeated-measures systematic observations of well-being are obtained during the intervention (intervention vs control condition). The health economics component conducts a social return on investment evaluation of the intervention. Qualitative data are collected at 3 time points (n=35 carers/staff and n=35 people living with dementia) to explore changes in social connectedness. Self-reported outcomes of the intervention delivery are obtained (n=100). Focus groups with intervention participants (n=40) explore perceptions of impact. Social network analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from arts and healthcare professionals (N=100) examines changes in perceptions and practice.

Ethics and dissemination The study is approved by North Wales Research Ethics Committee—West. A range of activities will share the research findings, including international and national academic conferences, quarterly newsletters and the project website. Public engagement projects will target a broad range of stakeholders. Policy and practice summaries will be developed. The visual art intervention protocol will be developed as a freely available practitioners guide.

This paper analyses how the methodological approach for a major Arts and Humanities Research Coun... more This paper analyses how the methodological approach for a major Arts and Humanities Research Council and Economic and Social Research Council-funded project entitled Dementia and Imagination was formulated. This multidisciplinary project brings together the arts and humanities with the social sciences with their different epistemological philosophies and subsequent understandings of research methods. The main objective was to determine how visual arts activities may change, sustain and catalyse community cultures, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours to create dementia-friendly communities. This project involves 6 different UK universities, 14 researchers, 10 formal partners, 7 project artists, 3 research artists and a large number of civil society organisations. The analysis presents a series of themes that have been identified as influencing the approach taken to develop methods which aimed to speak to different audiences in the social sciences, arts and humanities, policy/practice and public domains. It is concluded that a research project of this type needs to embrace a wide variety of epistemological positions if it is to successfully achieve its objectives. This paper contributes to knowledge about how the methodology of large-scale multidisciplinary projects may be constructed which will be of value to those building research consortia across different universities and between universities and community partners.

A variety of cultural activities can be used to raise awareness of mental health issues, to provi... more A variety of cultural activities can be used to raise awareness of mental health issues, to provide artistic opportunities for those experiencing mental illness, and for outreach to communities who are less likely to engage with the arts.
Method
This study evaluated the impact of two lightbox exhibitions in urban public spaces, using interlinked cross sectional surveys. Numerical data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis used to analyse textual data.
Results
The findings indicated that the artwork challenged negative attitudes towards mental illness, created empathy with artists, and provided a forum for reflection about mental health.
Conclusions
This mode of exhibition raises awareness of mental health, reaches an audience that may be marginalized from mainstream cultural activity, and helps to build resilience and civic pride.

This qualitative study explored a multisensory (including olfactory) intervention for people with... more This qualitative study explored a multisensory (including olfactory) intervention for people with
dementia. Six themed boxes (e.g. Childhood) containing items chosen from the Boots archive
designed to encourage conversation were used in weekly group sessions. Session participants
were people with dementia and care staff from a local care home, a trained facilitator and
archivists from Boots UK. Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ experiences of the
sessions. Interviews were analysed using Thematic Analysis. The three major themes
Engagement (subthemes: Inclusiveness; Emotional involvement; Factors that supported
engagement), What’s in the box (subthemes: Contents stimulate memories; Mystery, variety
and age of items; Value of olfactory stimuli), and A conversation starter (subtheme: Opportunity
for self-expression) reveal the success of the intervention and the value of olfactory stimuli.
Multisensory boxes including olfactory stimulation can be an engaging intervention with scope
to refine it for people with dementia and their carers in the wider community.

This prospective qualitative study explored the social and psychological impact of an exhibition ... more This prospective qualitative study explored the social and psychological impact of an exhibition at a contemporary art gallery. Three focus groups, including 8 people aged 45-69, were held following a guided tour of an exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary gallery. The exhibition Uneven Geographies featured the works of a variety of international artists focussing upon the politics of globalisation through different media including film, installation and photography. Focus group transcripts were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6-phase model of thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: 1) ’It’s almost like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle’, 2) Interpreting the Message and 3) Dissolving Social Barriers. Results indicated that the exhibition helped participants make sense of a variety of experiences, art interpretation was a key educational skill, and attending the gallery promoted social inclusion. These findings build on previous studies that indicate the potential for cultural institutions, such as art galleries and museums, to promote education, health and wellbeing at individual and societal levels.

Communication is increasingly recognized as a core skill for veterinary practitioners, and in rec... more Communication is increasingly recognized as a core skill for veterinary practitioners, and in recent years, attention to communication competency and skills training has increased. To gain an up-to-date assessment of the current state of veterinary communication skills and training, we conducted a survey among veterinary practitioners in the United Kingdom and United States in 2012/2013. The questionnaire was used to assess the current state, relevance, and adequacy of veterinary communication skills among veterinary practitioners, to assess interest in further training, and to understand perceived challenges in communicating with clients. There was an overall response rate of 29.6% (1,774 of 6,000 recipients), with a higher response rate for UK-based practitioners (39.7%) than practitioners in the US (19.5%). Ninety-eight percent of respondents agreed that communication skills were as important as or more important than clinical knowledge. Forty-one percent of respondents had received formal veterinary communication skills training during veterinary school, and 47% had received training post-graduation. Thirty-five percent said their veterinary communication skills training during veterinary school prepared them well or very well for communicating with clients about the health of their pets, compared to 61% of those receiving post-graduate training. Forty percent said they would be interested in further veterinary communication skills training, with the preferred methods being simulated consultations and online training. While there has been increased emphasis on communication skills training during and after veterinary school, there is a need for more relevant and accessible training.

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2006

Background: Homeless families are an increasing but marginalised part of society. They have diver... more Background: Homeless families are an increasing but marginalised part of society. They have diverse and complex needs that have often not been addressed by the available services. There is some evidence that psychosocial factors continue to be detrimental to the mental health of these families even after rehousing. Method: Thirty-five homeless families were assessed on their mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Eyberg Child Behaviour Inventory Scale, Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents), parenting problems (Parenting Daily Hassles Scale), and service satisfaction (semi-structured interview) following admission to two homeless hostels, and four months later, when most families (69%) had been rehoused in the community. Results: Children and their mothers continued to experience high rates of mental health problems whilst resident in the hostels and after rehousing. However, a proportion of parents expressed a subjective improvement, which was often associated with their housing and social circumstances. A diverse range of further needs was described.

Background: Domestic violence is a universal phenomenon which affects all family members and spec... more Background: Domestic violence is a universal phenomenon which affects all family members and
specially children and women. Common reactions to domestic violence are post-traumatic stress
disorder, depression, and anxiety Aims: The aim of this study is to find type and severity of domestic violence against Palestinian
women in the Gaza Strip, and to investigate whether it is associated with mental health problems
such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Methods: The study sample included 622 Palestinian women randomly selected from the five areas
of the Gaza Strip aged from 18 to 50 years (mean age = 31.5 years). They were interviewed using
questionnaires including Sociodemogrophic variables, Conflicts Tactics Scale, post-traumatic stress
disorder scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Taylor manifestation Anxiety Scale.
Results: The study showed that psychological assault was 56.91%, physical assault 37.3%,
physical injury 12.06%, and sexual assault was 7.14%.
The study showed that domestic violence was significantly higher in women living in villages than in
cities or camps. Also, women living in villages experienced more psychological abuse than women
living in cities or camps.
The study showed that 71 women (11.4%) had been diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder,
15% had moderate to severe depression, and 29.9% had very severe anxiety.
The study showed that psychological assault toward women was positively correlated to depression,
anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Also, there were significant positive relationships
between physical assault and depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Physical
injury and sexual assault were significantly positively related to post traumatic stress disorder,
depression, and anxiety.
Conclusion: The study showed that one third Palestinian women exposed to physical violence and
half of them exposed to psychological violence which lead to post-traumatic stress disorder
depression, and anxiety. So, a great need for more programs for women victims of domestic
violence in Palestinian society are needed with well trained professionals in the field of
psychological support and therapy. More specific programs should be established in Gaza to enable
women of using new coping strategies with difficulties. Also, training programs including primary
health care professional such physicians, nurses, social service experts, and midwives should be
provide to enable them of early detection of victims of violence and provide social support to these
women.

Objectives: This is the first known study that sought to understand the experience of an eight-we... more Objectives: This is the first known study that sought to understand the experience of an eight-week art-gallery-based intervention offered at two distinctly different galleries for people with mild to moderate dementia and their carers. The study examined impact on social inclusion, carer burden, and quality of life and daily living activities for a person with dementia. Method: A mixed-methods pre-post design using standardised questionnaires and interviews involved 24 participants (12 with dementia) and compared similar interventions at a traditional and a contemporary art gallery. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: No significant pre-post difference was found between the traditional or contemporary gallery groups on quantitative measures. There was, however, a non-significant trend towards a reduction in carer burden over the course of the intervention for both gallery groups. Thematic analysis revealed well-being benefits from both traditional and contemporary art gallery sites that included positive social impact resulting from feeling more socially included, self-reports of enhanced cognitive capacities for people with dementia, and an improved quality of life. Conclusion: Participants were unanimous in their enjoyment and satisfaction with the programme, despite the lack of significance from standardised measures. Further consideration of art galleries and museums, as non-clinical community resources for dementia care, is warranted. The interventions at both galleries helped to foster social inclusion and social engagement, enhance the caring relationship between the carers and PWD, support the personhood of PWD, and stimulate cognitive processes of attention and concentration.

Dementia is a progressive disease characterized by a widespread impairment of mental functioning,... more Dementia is a progressive disease characterized by a widespread impairment of mental functioning, including cognitive skills. Research has suggested that the arts can have positive effects in terms of physical and mental health for people with a dementia. The present study sought to identify the impact of art-making and art-viewing activities, within the context of a publicly accessible art gallery, on verbal fluency and memory. Thirteen participants diagnosed with early to midstage dementia participated, along with their caregivers, in 8-week long art-viewing and art-making groups at an art gallery in the United Kingdom. Audio recordings of sessions were transcribed and analyzed using quantitative content analysis. Findings suggested that the interventions described did not negatively affect cognitive ability in the dimensions measured and the data hints that improvements are possible. The results provide support for further controlled studies examining the impact of visual art, aesthetics, and art-gallery-based programs on cognition in people with dementia. Further research is required to address the methodological limitations presented in the current study.

Dr Victoria Tischler reviews 'Mental - the vacuum cleaner' at the Freud Museum, 29 September 2015

The Gerontologist, Jul 16, 2015

Purpose of Study: Dementia refers to a variety of diseases that are characterized by cognitive ... more Purpose of Study: Dementia refers to a variety of diseases that are characterized by cognitive difficulties and an overall decline in daily living skills. Psychologically informed arts and health programs may be particularly beneficial ways of improving the lives of people with dementia and their caregivers. This study sought to better understand how programs at contemporary and traditional art galleries might play a role in the lives of people with dementia.

Design and Methods: Participants included 12 people with mild-to-moderate dementia, their 12 caregivers and 4 gallery facilitators. Those with dementia and their caregivers were engaged in art viewing followed by art making over an 8-week period. Data, collected through postintervention interviews with participants, field notes and extensive written communication between the facilitators and research team, were analyzed using grounded theory methodology to theorize how gallery-based interventions affect people with dementia and those who care for them.

Results: The emerging theory has four primary components: the art gallery is seen as being a physically valued place that provides intellectual stimulation and offers opportunities for social inclusion that can change how dementia is perceived. These components coalesced to create positive emotional and relational effects for those with dementia and caregivers.

Implications: The resulting theory has potential implications for the use of gallery-based programs in dementia care within public health, healthcare, and museum/art gallery policy and practice.

Objectives: Dementia is a progressive condition, affecting increasing numbers of people, characte... more Objectives: Dementia is a progressive condition, affecting increasing numbers of people, characterised by cognitive decline. The current systematic review aimed to evaluate research pertaining to the impact of arts and health interventions on cognition in people with dementia.

Method: A literature search was conducted utilizing PsychInfo, Cochrane Reviews, Web of Science, Medline and British Humanities Index databases. Sixteen studies were included in the review, including those related to literary, performing and visual arts.

Results: The review highlighted this as an emerging area of research with the literature consisting largely of small-scale studies with methodological limitations including lack of control groups and often poorly defined samples. All the studies suggested, however, that arts-based activities had a positive impact on cognitive processes, in particular on attention, stimulation of memories, enhanced communication and engagement with creative activities.

Conclusion: The existent literature suggests that arts activities are helpful interventions within dementia care. A consensus has yet to emerge, however, about the direction for future research including the challenge of measurement, and the importance of methodological flexibility. It is suggested that further research address some of these limitations by examining whether the impact of interventions vary depending on cognitive ability and to continue to assess how arts interventions can be of use across the stages of dementia.

Dementia- the international journal of social research and practice. , Nov 26, 2014

This study investigates the impact of a weekly group providing sport and physical activities for ... more This study investigates the impact of a weekly group providing sport and physical activities for men with early onset dementia established by Notts County Football in the Community (NCFC). There were three aims: investigate the effect of early onset dementia on individuals with the condition and their carers; examine perceptions of current levels of service provision for people with early onset dementia; and analyse the impact of the group. Men with dementia (n=5) attending the sessions, their carers (n=5), NCFC coaching staff (n=5) and people organising/facilitating the sessions (n=5), were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews explored the participants’ experiences of dementia, their opinions on current service provisions and on the sessions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were found: loss related to the condition of dementia and its impact on relationships (‘Loss’); lack of age-appropriate services for people with early onset dementia (‘Lack of Resources’); enjoyment and positive anticipation related to the group for all involved (‘Enjoyment and Anticipation’); and ‘the Notts County Effect’ which attributed the success of the sessions to the strong brand of the football club, and to personalised service in a “dementia-free” environment. The NCFC sessions provided a safe low-cost intervention with positive effects upon quality of life for both people with early onset dementia, their carers and the staff involved. This suggests that the service may be valuable to a wider range of people living in different areas

Background Peer teaching is now used in medical education with its value increasingly being re... more Background

Peer teaching is now used in medical education with its value increasingly being recognised. It is not yet established whether students differ in their satisfaction with teaching by peer-teachers compared to those taught by academic or clinical staff. This study aimed to establish satisfaction with communication skills teaching between these three teaching groups.

Methods

Students participated in a role-play practical facilitated either by clinicians, peer-teachers or non-clinical staff. A questionnaire was administered to first-year medical students after participating in a communication skills role-play session asking students to evaluate their satisfaction with the session. Data were analysed in SPSS 20.

Results

One hundred and ninety eight students out of 239 (83%) responded. Students were highly satisfied with the teaching session with no difference in satisfaction scores found between those sessions taught by peers, clinical and non-clinical staff members. 158 (80%) considered the session useful and 139 (69%) strongly agreed tutors facilitated their development. There was no significant difference in satisfaction scores based on tutor background.

Conclusions

Satisfaction is as high when tutored by peer-teachers compared to clinicians or non-clinical staff. Constructive feedback is welcomed from a range of personnel. Final-year students could play an increasing role in the teaching of pre-clinical medical students.

Dementia: the international journal of social research and practice , Nov 24, 2014

Dementia has detrimental effects on cognitive, psychological and behavioural functioning, as well... more Dementia has detrimental effects on cognitive, psychological and behavioural functioning, as well as significant impact on those who provide care. There is a need to find suitable psychosocial interventions to help manage the condition, enhance wellbeing, and to provide support for caregivers.
This study explored the impact of Singing for the BrainTM (SftB), an activity based on group singing activities, developed by the Alzheimer’s Society for people with dementia and their carers.
This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with people with dementia and their carers. Ten interviews involving 20 participants were analysed thematically. Social inclusiveness and improvements in relationships, memory and mood were found to be especially important to participants. As well as enjoying the sessions participants found that attending SftB helped in accepting and coping with dementia.

Journal of Applied Arts and Health, 2014

This paper discusses the controversy surrounding the display of mental health service user artwor... more This paper discusses the controversy surrounding the display of mental health service user artwork in a workplace where mental health research and teaching takes place. The exhibition of artwork by a deceased mental health service user provoked strong reactions amongst staff and began a dialogue about the impact of the work on viewers. I review issues of autobiographical artwork, mental health recovery, and censorship. Whilst the display of art with potentially distressing themes is an important mode of social inclusion and can be empowering for the artist, negotiating the location of such exhibitions and providing support for staff who may be affected by the work must be considered.

J of Dementia Care, 2017

This paper analyses how the methodological approach for a major Arts and Humanities Research Coun... more This paper analyses how the methodological approach for a major Arts and Humanities Research Council and Economic and Social Research Council-funded project entitled Dementia and Imagination was formulated. This multidisciplinary project brings together the arts and humanities with the social sciences with their different epistemological philosophies and subsequent understandings of research methods. The main objective was to determine how visual arts activities may change, sustain and catalyse community cultures, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours to create dementia-friendly communities. This project involves 6 different UK universities, 14 researchers, 10 formal partners, 7 project artists, 3 research artists and a large number of civil society organisations. The analysis presents a series of themes that have been identified as influencing the approach taken to develop methods which aimed to speak to different audiences in the social sciences, arts and humanities, policy/practice and public domains. It is concluded that a research project of this type needs to embrace a wide variety of epistemological positions if it is to successfully achieve its objectives. This paper contributes to knowledge about how the methodology of large-scale multidisciplinary projects may be constructed which will be of value to those building research consortia across different universities and between universities and community partners.

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2006

Dr Victoria Tischler reviews 'Mental - the vacuum cleaner' at the Freud Museum, 29 September 2015

The Gerontologist, Jul 16, 2015

Implications: The resulting theory has potential implications for the use of gallery-based programs in dementia care within public health, healthcare, and museum/art gallery policy and practice.

Dementia- the international journal of social research and practice. , Nov 26, 2014

Background Peer teaching is now used in medical education with its value increasingly being re... more Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Dementia: the international journal of social research and practice , Nov 24, 2014

Journal of Applied Arts and Health, 2014

The curators Victoria Tischler and Esra Plumer introduce key themes and artists included in the e... more The curators Victoria Tischler and Esra Plumer introduce key themes and artists included in the exhibition (Sept 2013-Nov 2013), Djanogly Gallery, Nottingham.

I discuss the benefits to mental health of adult colouring-in books on BBC Radio Shropshire.

Me on BBC2's 'antiques roadshow detectives' analysing the samplers of Lorina Bulwer. She was inca... more Me on BBC2's 'antiques roadshow detectives' analysing the samplers of Lorina Bulwer. She was incarcerated in a workhouse lunatic ward in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk in 1894.

I discuss the psychological impact on soldiers serving in the trenches in WW1 as they are about t... more I discuss the psychological impact on soldiers serving in the trenches in WW1 as they are about to go 'over the top'.

In recent years a number of celebrities and public figures have gone on record to reveal that the... more In recent years a number of celebrities and public figures have gone on record to reveal that they have experienced mental illness. Some conditions such as bipolar disorder and depression could be considered fashionable, especially when linked to creative expression such as theatrical performance, literary outputs, or the production of visual art. Yet, other conditions, particularly those of a severe and often chronic nature such as schizophrenia, dementia and personality disorders remain deeply stigmatized and unfashionable.

Those diagnosed with mental illness experience multiple deprivation and social exclusion. Many mental health campaigns, whilst tackling stigma, do not harness the potential of art and fashion to create desirable objects, set trends, and to challenge preconceptions.

The worlds of fashion and art are natural spaces to explore mental health. They tolerate, even celebrate, the visionary, the eccentric and the flamboyant. Yet, consideration of mental illness within the fashion industry has been largely absent. In art, the issue often focusses on individual artist biographies and historical positioning of ‘otherness’, for example through the narratives of ‘asylum art’. There is increasing interest in exploring the links between creativity and mental illness from psychological, aesthetic and therapeutic perspectives.

The project ‘making mental health fashionable’ involves a series of interdisciplinary events and activities that aim to:

-explore the nature of creativity in art and fashion
-stimulate discussion and awareness of mental health issues
-develop creative and research activities involving art, health and fashion collaboration
-provide opportunities for students to work on creative projects with a mental health focus.

An overview of the fair in NYC, 2014

Did the trauma of WW1 lead to great creativity?, Feb 2014

a gaze at the collection, Mar 25, 2014

The Edward Adamson Festival 2014 celebrates the life and work of Edward Adamson (1911-1996), visi... more The Edward Adamson Festival 2014 celebrates the life and work of Edward Adamson (1911-1996), visionary pioneer of art as therapy, and creator of the Adamson Collection; and thirty years since publication of Adamson's book, 'Art of Healing' (1984). The Adamson Festival is the first major survey of Adamson's work since his death.

The phenomenon of the zone or flow refers to a state of athletic peak performance, likened to... more The phenomenon of the zone or flow refers to a state of athletic peak performance, likened to a transcendent, ecstatic condition of effortless yet focussed and optimal functioning. Qualitative data represents in-depth textual and visual information gathered from individuals to facilitate understanding of experience and process. In this project we focus on the interaction between mental processes and physical performance and map it onto a series of filmed journeys through various athletic landscapes - sports apparatus, running tracks, water courses and other spaces. The relationship between the athletes’ testimony and the architectural void in which they perform, triggers a construct that allows us to explore the poetics of athletic experience.
"

"This film explores how we make sense of another person’s reality. The script was inspired by pr... more "This film explores how we make sense of another person’s
reality. The script was inspired by previous clinical work in
psychiatric settings, in particular with patients diagnosed with
borderline personality disorder (BPD). The script reflects on
how professionals sometimes respond to patients with BPD."

The Psychologist, Mar 2016

Letting in the Light is an exhibition of work made by artists with experience of mental health pr... more Letting in the Light is an exhibition of work made by artists with experience of mental health problems. The project is a collaboration between Daily Life Ltd, Outside In, and the Bethlem gallery.

Raw Vision, Oct 2015

review of exhibition at Watts Gallery - Artists Studio (Sept-Nov 2015)

The Psychologist, Mar 2014

‘I spit on life’ by William Kurelek was painted at a time when the artist was profoundly depres... more ‘I spit on life’ by William Kurelek was
painted at a time when the artist was
profoundly depressed. Kurelek was a
Canadian of Ukrainian heritage who
sought psychiatric treatment in the UK.
He was treated at the Bethlem Royal
Hospital and later at the Netherne
Hospital in Surrey, where he worked
with Edward Adamson, a pioneering
artist who established art workshops
for patients there in 1946. Adamson,
often referred to as ‘the father of art
therapy’, was an early advocate for the
use of art as a form of recovery from
mental illness. The artwork, one of
several masterpieces Kurelek created
whilst a patient at Netherne, featured in
the 2013 exhibition ‘Art in the Asylum’
at the Djanogly gallery in Nottingham.
‘I spit on life’ is a complex and
majestic piece which powerfully
illustrates significant events in
Kurelek’s life related to his mental
illness. It will be shown as part of the
Adamson Festival (February–July 2014)
where Adamson’s life and work will be
celebrated with a variety of events
including the premiere of a feature
film about Kurelek, ‘The Maze’ and
an exhibition of art work created by
patients who were treated at the
Netherne Hospital.
See www.slam.nhs.uk/adamson
for information and events, including a
discussion about the neuroscience and
neuroaesthetics of Adamson’s work.

Victoria created drawings, paintings and poetry of a deeply harrowing and autobiographical nature... more Victoria created drawings, paintings and poetry of a deeply harrowing and autobiographical nature, depicting her struggles in both childhood and adulthood. She died tragically at the age of just 33 years old. Her work is brutal in its honesty and haunting in her recollections. Victoria wished to share her work with others; we are pleased to honour her memory by exhibiting her artwork at The Institute.
Beneath is an extract from Victoria’s writing entitled ‘Ghosts of Me’, in which she invites us to go with her into her world.

Come with me, look, I’ll show the way. Here’s the gate, this is my world. I won’t come with you, I want you to look around you, not look at me, not talk to me because you will miss so much but I will wait here for you I will wait, wrapping the twilight around me, hiding, while you stand in the blinding, white winter sunlight, unable to hide what you have learnt. Terrifying but I need you to understand, so pay attention to everything but be careful not to lose yourself. I think you will be safe as long as you don’t try to change anything. I will not be there, I will be waiting at the gate but you will see ghosts of me being hurt, hunted, haunted, you will feel it but you mustn’t interfere, remember you are only there to experience, interference will trap you in my world and you will be hunted too. Don’t be a hero, soldier, priest, doctor or friend, just experience as a human. Don’t take anything for granted.

PUGS IN SPACE Recently discovered works on canvas by Mavis Enron (1860 – 1949), Nov 2012

The exhibition explores ideas around recovery from mental health problems. The concept of reco... more The exhibition explores
ideas around recovery from mental
health problems. The concept of
recovery is now central to policy and
practice in the field of mental health
care but what does it mean to those
experiencing mental illness? The
exhibition responds to questions
such as; what helps and what hinders
recovery? Is it a useful concept?

Dr. Esra Plumer and Dr. Victoria Tischler on the historic use of art in mental health institution... more Dr. Esra Plumer and Dr. Victoria Tischler on the historic use of art in mental health institutions and the interplay between creativity and madness, introducing some of the spaces, places and key figures in the fascinating history of crossover between visual art and mental health care.

Artists whose approaches diverge radically from average expectation and from officially sanctione... more Artists whose approaches diverge radically from average expectation and from officially sanctioned approaches and styles are discussed alongside Richard Dadd, one of the best- known British asylum artists

The benefits of incorporating narrative methods in teaching and learning in medical education are... more The benefits of incorporating narrative methods in teaching and learning in medical education are now widely accepted through the work of scholars including Rita Charon, Brian Hurwitz and Trisha Greenhalgh. In this chapter we consider issues that arise during the process of implementing the teaching of narrative medicine within a medical curriculum that is dominated by bioscience content and assessments that are largely based upon assimilation of factual knowledge and competency in a range of clinical skills. In this context the medical humanities have had a mixed reception. We consider how psychological and socio-cultural theories might inform the introduction of medical humanities and narrative medicine teaching. To illustrate we refer to 1) the work of Anton Chekhov (1860-1904), a writer and physician whose stories can be used to raise issues about the doctor’s role and duty, the nature of disease and illness, and the life and psychology of people who suffer from illness and, 2) feedback from medical students on the introduction of a narrative assessment.

This comprehensive book explores how visual art, cinema, music, poetry, literature and drama can ... more This comprehensive book explores how visual art, cinema, music, poetry, literature and drama can inform the teaching and practice of psychiatrists and mental health professionals.
Edited and written by a team of expert practitioners, teachers and researchers, including both clinicians and users of mental health services, this comprehensive book will provide valuable insights for undergraduate and postgraduate educators with teaching reponsibilities in psychiatry and mental health. Students of the medical humanities, art, music and drama therapists, and educators in occupational therapy and psychology will also find this a valuable and insightful handbook.

In this chapter Tischler argues for the increased role of visual arts in healthcare research, edu... more In this chapter Tischler argues for the increased role of visual arts in healthcare research, education and public engagement. She summarises evidence on the use of visual arts and healthcare to date, primarily in the fields of therapy, education, and spaces, both clinical and public. Whilst artistic approaches have been enthusiastically developed and received the evidence base for their health-enhancing benefits is scant. This is an issue as commissioners and the larger population will need to be convinced of the merit of such approaches if they are to be cascaded more widely. The author suggests that these issues should be overcome as the visual arts have unique power, not only to be therapeutic for the individual but also to transform the identity and create aesthetic artefacts which can effect change at a societal level.

discussion and debate focussing on the Hub - success residency