Leveraging Art to Support Refugee Newcomer Families’ Well-Being: A Qualitative Study

2026/03/27 by Sherri Dutton, Colleen Davison, Yu Jier Kou · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Psychology · #Art Therapy and Mental Health #Migration, Health and Trauma #Resilience and Mental Health

paper · pdf · doi:10.25071/1920-7336.41505

openalex publication_date 2026/03/27 · openalex created_date 2026/03/29 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22

Abstract

There has been a shift toward resettlement in smaller cities, creating potential new challenges, and opportunities, in supporting refugee families. This study used interviews and participant observation to explore health and social impacts of a settlement services–run arts-based therapy group for newcomer families in a small city. A social-ecological approach exploring how the program operated as a third space highlighted potential pathways for supporting newcomer families’ well-being across multiple levels. As a study exploring the intersection of refugee settlement, organizational programming, and well-being, this article contributes to a greater understanding of newcomer supports within a smaller city context.

Citations

• Using thematic analysis in psychology
• It’s Just About Having Fun’? Interrogating the lived experiences of newcomers To Canada in introductory winter sport programmes
• A systematic review of socio-ecological factors contributing to risk and protection of the mental health of refugee children and adolescents

Discussions

• 🚨 Publication Alert 🚨 Sheri Dutton, Colleen Davison, and Yu Jier Kou showcase the health and social impacts of arts-based therapy on refugee wellbeing in the context of a small Canadian city. Read [bsky, 0 points, 0 comments]