Imagination and Creativity in Art-Based YPAR Projects: A Systematic Review

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Action Research Methods: Video-Based Case Study, Qualitative, Quantitative, Mixed Methods, and Meta-Analysis/PRISMA (Table 1)

Abstract

This systematic review focuses on art-based Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) literature to answer two questions: What outcomes are described in art-based YPAR projects? How are imagination and creativity conceptualized in arts-based YPAR projects? YPAR scholarship is extensive and has garnered attention in the past decade. However, no systematic reviews were found that focused on YPAR using art-based methods. We examined empirical literature reporting results from art-based YPAR projects following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) recommendations. Our findings indicate that art-based YPAR can deepen participants' sociopolitical awareness, leading to a sense of belonging, empowerment, psychosocial well-being, and community engagement. The studies also emphasized the practical implications of imagination and creativity without theoretically conceptualizing these processes.

Authors

• Natacha Monestel-Mora, University of British Columbia

• Jennifer A. Vadeboncoeur, University of British Columbia