Research & Recommended Reading
The Science Behind Creativity & Wellbeing
Research in psychology, neuroscience and the creative arts increasingly recognises the relationship between creative engagement, nervous system regulation and psychological wellbeing.
Central to this understanding is the autonomic nervous system, which regulates many of our body's essential functions. The vagus nerve, a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system, connects the brain with important organs, including the heart, lungs and digestive system, helping regulate functions such as heart rate and digestion.
When we experience prolonged stress, the balance between our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems can be disrupted, affecting how we feel both physically and emotionally.
Creative activities such as working with clay, painting and engaging with nature can offer opportunities for relaxation, sensory awareness and emotional regulation. They may also encourage the deeply absorbing experience of flow, described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, in which we become so engaged in an enjoyable activity that our perception of time changes.
Although flow is not simply a parasympathetic state, both calming creative experiences and meaningful engagement can contribute to our capacity for psychological wellbeing.
At Pegasus Project, we draw upon this developing body of research to inform our approach, recognising that creativity is not simply about producing something beautiful, but about the powerful relationship between body, mind and the creative process.
Here, we share research and books exploring creativity, nervous system regulation, psychological recovery and human flourishing.
Creativity, Art & Psychological Wellbeing
Fancourt, D. & Finn, S. (2019)
What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being?
World Health Organization, Health Evidence Network Synthesis Report 67.
An extensive review drawing on evidence from more than 3,000 studies, examining the contribution of arts engagement to health promotion, prevention and the management of illness.
Kaimal, G., Ray, K. & Muniz, J. (2016)
Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making.
Art Therapy, 33(2), 74–80.
A small exploratory study investigating changes in cortisol following 45 minutes of creative art-making. Participants also described experiences of relaxation, enjoyment and self-discovery.
Flow, Creativity & Flourishing
Nakamura, J. & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2002)
The Concept of Flow.
In Handbook of Positive Psychology.
Explores the psychological experience of becoming deeply absorbed in an activity, including concentrated attention, intrinsic enjoyment and changes in our perception of time.
Trauma Recovery & Post-Traumatic Growth
Tedeschi, R. G. & Calhoun, L. G. (2004)
Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence.
Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18.
An influential exploration of how some individuals report positive psychological changes through their struggle with highly challenging experiences, including changes in relationships, priorities, personal strength and appreciation of life.
Infurna, F. J. & Jayawickreme, E. (2019)
Fixing the Growth Illusion: New Directions for Research in Resilience and Posttraumatic Growth.
Current Directions in Psychological Science, 28(2).
A valuable critical examination of post-traumatic growth research, highlighting the importance of distinguishing perceived growth from measurable psychological change.
Nature & Psychological Restoration
Kaplan, S. (1995)
The Restorative Benefits of Nature: Toward an Integrative Framework.
Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3), 169–182.
Introduces an influential framework for understanding how natural environments may help restore directed attention and support psychological recovery from mental fatigue.
Books That Inspire Our Approach
Clay Therapy, Sensory Experience & Non-Verbal Expression
Touching Clay, Touching What? The Use of Clay in Therapy — Lynne Souter-Anderson (2010)
Explores clay as a therapeutic medium, drawing upon clinical experience, case studies and the author's Theory of Contact. An insightful examination of the tactile, emotional and relational dimensions of working with clay.
Making Meaning: Clay Therapy with Children & Adolescents — Lynne Souter-Anderson (2015; reissued 2024)
A practical and theoretically informed guide to using clay therapeutically with children and young people. Explores how creating three-dimensional forms can help young people communicate feelings and experiences that may be difficult to express verbally.
Seeking Shelter, Seeking Safety: Clay Therapy with Families and Groups — Lynne Souter-Anderson (2019)
Explores therapeutic clay work in family and group settings, drawing upon contributions from practitioners and clinical case examples. Particularly relevant to creating supportive environments in which connection, emotional expression and psychological safety are central.
Explore Lynne Souter-Anderson's publications
Sensorimotor Art Therapy & Trauma
Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing: A Sensorimotor Art Therapy Approach to Bilateral Body Mapping — Cornelia Elbrecht (2018)
Introduces a body-focused, trauma-informed approach to guided drawing in which bilateral movement, sensory awareness and the physical experience of mark-making become central to therapeutic exploration.
Rather than concentrating on the artistic outcome, the approach emphasises bodily sensations, movement and non-verbal expression. It offers an important perspective on how creative processes can support embodied psychological work.
Flow, Flourishing & Positive Psychology
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience — Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1990)
An influential exploration of deep engagement, intrinsic motivation and the relationship between meaningful activity and quality of life.
Flourish — Martin E. P. Seligman (2011)
Explores wellbeing through positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment.
Creativity, Play & Psychological Recovery
Playing and Reality — D. W. Winnicott (1971)
A foundational psychoanalytic work examining play, creativity, emotional development and the relationship between imaginative experience and our sense of self.
Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy: Brain, Body, and Imagination in the Healing Process — Cathy A. Malchiodi (2020)
Brings together research, theory and clinical approaches exploring the role of sensory, imaginative and creative experiences within trauma therapy.
Trauma and Recovery — Judith Lewis Herman (1992)
A landmark work exploring the psychological impact of trauma and the importance of safety, relationships and reconnection in recovery.
Research continues to develop. The studies and books listed here inform our understanding and philosophy, but findings from clinical art therapy research should not be assumed to apply directly to all creative wellbeing activities.
At Pegasus Project, we value the individuality of every participant. Creativity and personal growth are possibilities to explore, never expectations to fulfil.