Abstract
Background information: The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated unprecedented global disruptions, extending beyond physical health into realms of emotional well-being. In higher education, art students are uniquely positioned to translate personal and collective experiences into creative expressions. Their heightened awareness of mental health and its societal implications underscores the potential for art-based therapeutic approaches. Understanding how the pandemic influenced their attitudes and aspirations can inform pedagogical strategies and policy decisions aimed at fostering emotional resilience through art.
Aim/objective(s): This study aims to (1) examine how COVID-19 influenced the career aspirations and mental health awareness of final-year art students at the Academy of Visual Arts (AVA) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), and (2) explore the potential role of art as a medium for coping, social connection, and emotional expression during and beyond the pandemic.
Methods: Data were collected from final-year AVA students between 2021 and 2024 (N=421) using an open-ended survey question: “What is your dream job or ambition?” The frequency of students expressing interest in art therapy or related mental health-oriented careers was recorded and compared across three distinct timepoints: 2021 (peak pandemic), 2022, and 2023 onwards (post-COVID context). Qualitative feedback was also analyzed to further illuminate students’ evolving perceptions of art’s social impact.
Results/Findings: The proportion of students citing “art therapist” as their dream job was highest in 2021 at 20.2%, compared to 15.6% in 2022 and 13.6% in 2023. Qualitative data indicated that COVID-19-related stress not only prompted increased awareness of mental health issues but also motivated students to engage more deeply with art’s therapeutic potential. Their experiences highlighted art’s capacity to foster emotional resilience, offer solace during isolation, and function as a conduit for social connection.
Conclusion (Implications/recommendations): The findings demonstrate that the pandemic catalyzed a growing commitment among art students to leverage their creative skills for societal benefit, with many explicitly aspiring to become art therapists. These results deepen our understanding of the evolving role of art in times of crisis, reinforcing its imperative as a medium for healing and social engagement. Future research could explore the integration of formal art therapy coursework within visual art curricula and investigate how these shifting career interests might affect the broader cultural landscape of mental health support in a post-pandemic era.
Aim/objective(s): This study aims to (1) examine how COVID-19 influenced the career aspirations and mental health awareness of final-year art students at the Academy of Visual Arts (AVA) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), and (2) explore the potential role of art as a medium for coping, social connection, and emotional expression during and beyond the pandemic.
Methods: Data were collected from final-year AVA students between 2021 and 2024 (N=421) using an open-ended survey question: “What is your dream job or ambition?” The frequency of students expressing interest in art therapy or related mental health-oriented careers was recorded and compared across three distinct timepoints: 2021 (peak pandemic), 2022, and 2023 onwards (post-COVID context). Qualitative feedback was also analyzed to further illuminate students’ evolving perceptions of art’s social impact.
Results/Findings: The proportion of students citing “art therapist” as their dream job was highest in 2021 at 20.2%, compared to 15.6% in 2022 and 13.6% in 2023. Qualitative data indicated that COVID-19-related stress not only prompted increased awareness of mental health issues but also motivated students to engage more deeply with art’s therapeutic potential. Their experiences highlighted art’s capacity to foster emotional resilience, offer solace during isolation, and function as a conduit for social connection.
Conclusion (Implications/recommendations): The findings demonstrate that the pandemic catalyzed a growing commitment among art students to leverage their creative skills for societal benefit, with many explicitly aspiring to become art therapists. These results deepen our understanding of the evolving role of art in times of crisis, reinforcing its imperative as a medium for healing and social engagement. Future research could explore the integration of formal art therapy coursework within visual art curricula and investigate how these shifting career interests might affect the broader cultural landscape of mental health support in a post-pandemic era.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 16 May 2025 |
| Event | 2025 International Conference of Reimagining Transfer: Global Insights on Credit Mobility in the New Higher Education Paradigm: Global Insights on Credit Mobility in the New Higher Education Paradigm - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Duration: 16 May 2025 → 17 May 2025 https://events.polyu.edu.hk/nheptransfer2025conf/home (Conference website) https://events.polyu.edu.hk/preview/nheptransfer2025conf/schedule?id=dc8ac144-aca0-48c0-bcfe-537ebb424754 (Conference program) https://polyuit-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/syaproj_polyu_edu_hk/EeP-jR6RmGBNlOtOXhOr9vgBKGcukLioSAQkz8bskifXSg?e=kTh6oR (Conference booklet) |
Conference
| Conference | 2025 International Conference of Reimagining Transfer: Global Insights on Credit Mobility in the New Higher Education Paradigm |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Hong Kong |
| City | Hong Kong |
| Period | 16/05/25 → 17/05/25 |
| Internet address |
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User-Defined Keywords
- Art Therapy
- Post-Pandemic Resilience
- Career Aspirations
- Visual Art Education
