Arts-mix: A pragmatist approach and framework for researcher-practitioners in mixed –methods and arts -based intervention research
Highlights
- Presents practical, real-world examples of integrating arts-based interventions into mixed methods designs.
- Emphasizes the arts as central and generative, not decorative, within rigorous, replicable research practices.
- Reviews current trends in both MM approaches and ABI research, particularly in healthcare and interdisciplinary settings.
- Introduces the Arts-Mix framework, emphasizing experience, iteration, and symbolic meaning-making.
- Highlights challenges and considerations of use of art with issues of scope, skill, and researcher-practitioner identity.
Abstract
This article provides readers with practical examples of projects that integrate arts-based interventions into mixed methods (MM) research. It offers background and introductory literature on current trends in both MM approaches and arts-based intervention (ABI) research, highlighting how these domains are increasingly converging in health-related and interdisciplinary contexts. Various MM designs are presented, including parallel convergent and sequential formats. Philosophical foundations, scope, necessary skill sets, strengths, and challenges that emerge when arts are embedded within research designs are discussed. A key feature of this work is its attention to the role and function of the researcher-practitioner, offering a framework to guide thoughtful, rigorous integration of the arts. How-to strategies for incorporating arts interventions and design guidance are offered in context of an Arts-Mix framework, which is grounded in pragmatist philosophy. Preliminary results from a pilot study exploring performing arts experiences and their effects on stress regulation and sleep quality is discussed. The paper presents recommendations for intentionally building interdisciplinary teams that integrate combined expertise in creative arts therapies, health sciences, and arts-based research. These teams are essential for advancing methodological innovation and ensuring that arts-based interventions are not only contextually relevant, but also empirically grounded, ethically delivered, and symbolically meaningful.