Research

Research in the effects of artistic enquiry and arts education.

Would you like to participate?

Adumbration Arts are preparing a study, documenting and analysing a particular method of artistic enquiry, and the effects of this method on those participating.

We are currently looking for participants for this study based in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The common vein between participants being an inability or unwillingness to let go, or to come to terms with a new state of acceptance.

About the study

Grief does not pertain solely to that of a physical death relating to a person, but also to the various deaths we encounter in life; loss of youth, death of an idea or and end of a hope or dream. Counterintuitively some peoples holding on is a means to stave off death/end which interrupts or disfigures their reality or life, or suspends potential alternative and positive futures. This does not mean we have to let go or forget everything and everyone we hold dear, but instead understand our connections to them and discover the true source of attachment. By discovering the significance you find appropriate ways of keeping hold of what is truly important while being freed from its weight.

The method being studied is a means to enable participants to process their attachments creatively and in a very gentle way, it is person-centred so you will make realisations individual to your experience and at your own pace. There may be group work for those which it is appropriate, it will also include distance learning techniques and home study. It is non invasive and no participants will be encouraged or forced to relinquish any objects or subject or share information about themselves which they do not feel comfortable. There are no expectations from any participant other than their participation and a willingness to discuss their experience and its effects. The work you create will be yours to keep and will hopefully be of benefit to you as well as helping evidence and evaluate our study.

Delivery

The initial study will be spread over one year. Participants will be inducted to the methods they will use and start practising them, initially attending a weekly short course for the first 3 months, either in person or via online learning. Participants will continue to develop their work and attend monthly for the remaining year for the purposes of practitioner support and feedback. Participants are asked to give feedback at appropriate intervals throughout the year, and again on occasion over the subsequent 2 years to follow up what elements of the study have stayed with them.
Some participants may be invited to continue to actively participate in the study for a longer period of time, depending on how the research develops and individual participants requirements change.

Who can participate

Those with mental health problems can participate, and it is expected, as can those with more complicated and acute Psychological disorders under the guidance and approval of their clinician.

Those struggling with Grief, loss or letting go and who have Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Obsessive hoarding, Substance miss use issues and stalking behaviours are all welcome.

Those in good mental health but looking to express themselves or come to terms with grief, loss or letting go, in order to prevent mental health, relationship or behavioural issues developing, are welcome and necessary to the validity of this research.

Those who are detained in secure environments or HMPs are also able to participate where governing bodies and clinicians deem it suitable and beneficial for individuals to do so.

The course is delivered in English and an ability to read and write is desirable but not essential.

No artistic skills are essential.

We are not currently including people under the age of 18 years, those with cognitive impairment or those who can not communicate or make themselves understood clearly without assistance, those recovering trauma or who have been given a clinical prognosis which will result in their death. We do plan to include people from these groups in year 2 when the study has begun to analyse its initial findings and can deliver specific support and best practice to these areas.

Clinical supervision

This can be used alongside Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and may be suitable to those whom have found CBT has not worked for them in the past. This can also be an alternative for those whom know or suspect they need help but are unwilling to seek Psychiatric support.*  It is being developed alongside Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Mental health practitioners to ensure it does not behave counterintuitively for participants currently under consultation.

All identities protected*

All identities used in case studies will be protected. No personal information will be shared with outside parties other than with your clinician and with your consent.

*Participant identity will always remain confidential unless recommendations for referral to clinical support or law enforcement become appropriate or necessary due to duty of care or safeguarding concerns and only as acting in your best interest and in the interest of the public.

If you are interested in participating or finding out more, please email with the heading of 'Research Study' to adumbrationarts@gmail.com