Recent Articles
Rollins, J. (2011). Arousing curiosity: When hospital art transcends. Health Environments Research and Design Journal, 4(3), 72–94. Read or download PDF here.
Evolutionary and emotional congruence theoretical perspectives support the use of certain types of artwork to reduce stress and promote improved outcomes in healthcare settings. This paper explores the artwork of three artists whose work falls outside the traditional representational art supported by these theoretical perspectives. The concept of curiosity as a common thread is proposed as the underlying theory in an effort to explain the success of such work in achieving positive outcomes for patients, families, and staff. Other concepts are explored as contributing theoretical frameworks. Research is needed to determine the impact of this emerging type of artwork and the implications of findings for individuals who create—as well as for those who select—art for healthcare settings.
Rollins, J., Drescher, J., & Kelleher, M. (2011). Exploring the ability of a drawing by proxy intervention to improve quality of life for hospitalized children. Arts & Health: An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice, First published on: 13 June 2011 (iFirst). DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2011.564194. Read or download PDF here.
Objective: The primary objective of this study was to explore the ability of a one-time drawing by proxy intervention to improve perception of quality of life for hospitalized children. Methods: The quantitative/qualitative study used a one-group pre-test/posttest design with 50 hospitalized children (ages 6–19 years), who participated in a 45–60 minute intervention based on The Moon Balloon book. The PedsQLe Present Functioning VAS, a Parent Survey, and participatory observation were used to measure results. Results: Findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in perceptions of the child’s momentary quality of life. Most parents reported learning something about their child that they had not known before. Children used imagery to express feelings about when images speak the unspoken, of beauty, of stress, and of transformation. Conclusions: Drawing by proxy improved children’s perceptions of their present quality of life, and provided an effective method for expressing their thoughts and feelings. Studies are needed to determine the intervention’s effectiveness in other settings and the characteristics individuals require for facilitating effective drawing by proxy interventions.
Rollins, J. (2009). What a hospital should be. In W. Turgeon (Ed.), Creativity and the child: Interdisciplinary perspectives (pp. 201–211). Oxford, England: Inter-Disciplinary Press. Available at http://www.inter-disciplinary.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/CE-09.pdf
Sonke, J., Rollins, J., Brandman, R., & Graham-Pole, J. (2009). The state of the arts in healthcare in the United States. Arts in Health: An International Journal of Research, Policy, and Practice, 1(2), 107–135.
State of the Field Committee. (2009). State of the field report: Arts in healthcare 2009. Washington, DC: Society for the Arts in Healthcare. (Available at http://www.thesah.org/doc/reports/ArtsInHealthcare.pdf )
Rollins, J. (2009). The influence of two hospitals' designs and policies on social interaction and privacy as coping factors for children with cancer and their families. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 26(6), 340–353.