Museotherapy as a method: an investigation into the emotional experiences of Chinese youth visitors
Siyi Wang, Xuedan Gong, Wenting Lian
TL;DR
This study shows that museum-based therapy workshops can help reduce anxiety and promote positive emotions in Chinese university students.
Contribution
The study introduces museotherapy as a validated therapeutic method using mixed-methods analysis in a museum setting.
Findings
83.33% of participants showed a positive emotional shift during the workshops.
Museum objects triggered 69.5% of emotional perception statements.
A 'W-shaped' emotional curve was identified through video analysis.
Abstract
Rising mental health challenges among Chinese youth necessitate new intervention models. This study explores the mechanisms of museotherapy workshops in regulating emotions and fostering self-discovery among university students, aiming to validate museums as therapeutic environments. Structured workshops were conducted at the Shanghai University Museum involving 81 students aged 17–22. By integrating Appraisal Theory and narrative therapy, the study employed a mixed-methods approach—utilizing text sentiment analysis (SPSSAU) and facial expression coding (FAST)—to evaluate participant responses to specific “healing objects.” Text analysis revealed a predominantly positive emotional shift (83.33% positive), identifying museum objects as the primary emotional triggers (accounting for 69.5% of perception statements). Furthermore, video analysis identified a characteristic “W-shaped” emotion…
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Taxonomy
TopicsArt Therapy and Mental Health · Museums and Cultural Heritage · Memory, Trauma, and Commemoration