Roisin Stuart – Harnessing Positive Psychology in the Visual Arts Classroom
In the wake of a global mental health crisis, young people in New Zealand face increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, with suicide rates among youth being among the highest in the OECD. These challenges are often magnified by academic pressure and social media, creating a need for schools to actively support mental well-being. The visual arts classroom offers a unique environment to address these issues. By incorporating positive psychology strategies into arts education, educators can foster resilience, emotional regulation, and a sense of accomplishment in akonga.
This presentation will explore the application of positive psychology in visual arts education. It will detail helpful ways of understanding well-being as well as introducing practical strategies such as gratitude, mindfulness and a strengths-based approach that not only support akongas’ mental health but also enhance their creative potential, allowing them to engage more deeply with the artistic process while building coping mechanisms that extend beyond the classroom.
A specific case study from Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Hamilton will illustrate how these practices have been implemented successfully. Attendees will be provided with practical tools and approaches to integrate into their own classrooms, empowering them to cultivate a supportive, mentally nourishing space that encourages both artistic and personal growth.
Biography
I have been teaching high school art for the past 13 years. Currently, I am the Teacher in Charge of Visual Arts at Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Hamilton. I am passionate about helping students explore their creativity, and enjoy finding ways to make the visual arts classroom a supportive and encouraging space for all.
In addition to my teaching role, I am interested in positive psychology, a field of research that focuses on understanding and promoting the factors that contribute to human flourishing, and have started blending this approach into my teaching practice. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my whanau, running, photography and cake decorating.
I look forward to sharing simple, practical ideas for using positive psychology strategies in the visual arts classroom.