What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review

2.1 Prevention and promotion 2.1.1 How the arts affect social determinants of health 2.1.1.1 Social cohesion There is a wide literature on the potential evolutionary role of the arts (in particular, music) in enhancing social bonding (48–50). In support of these theories, the arts have been found to foster prosocial behaviour, a shared sense of success, physical coordination, shared attention, shared motivation and group identity (51). For music specifically, experimental studies have shown the effects of individual singing sessions, in both small and large groups, on self-perceptions of social bonding, social behaviours and oxytocin levels (51–53), demonstrating faster social bonding through music than with other social activities (54). Aspects of exertion, synchronization, self–other merging and endogenous opioid release have been identified as key mechanisms underlying music-led bonding (50). Further studies have particularly shown the benefits of music for bonding between mothers and infants (section 2.1.2).

The arts also provide a recognized way of reducing loneliness and social isolation (55), particularly among people living in rural or disadvantaged areas (56–58).

Activities that involve the simultaneous engagement of multiple individuals, for example group participation in activities such as crafts and singing, are particularly effective at fostering cooperation, self-concept and a sense of social inclusion for children, adults, families and communities and across different cultures (59–62).

Engagement with the arts can also lead to greater prosocial behaviours within communities, including volunteering and charitable giving (63), and can enhance social consciousness (64). The arts can also form a bridge between different groups; for example, activities such as dance, arts classes and theatre have been shown to foster greater social inclusion in patients with dementia and their carers (65), children and adults with and without disabilities (66,67), police and ex-offenders (68) and adults across different generations (69). This all builds social and community capital within societies (70,71).

Relatedly, the arts have been shown to help build social cohesion and support conflict resolution through developing cognitive, emotional and social skills for constructive engagement with conflict, and by supporting empathy, trust, social engagement, collaboration and transformative learning, thereby producing more cooperative relationships (59). Among indigenous communities, the arts can help to preserve cultural traditions and promote identity and resilience (72).

Between different cultural groups, the arts (including film and literature) can help to reduce ethnic tensions and improve interethnic relations and cultural 9