Abstract
The focus of this Critically Appraised Topic is asking the question what is the effectiveness of creative occupations on improvements of mental health with patients who have mental illness? The creative occupations were defined as visual arts and items clients can make with their hands like crafting, painting, etc. Mental illness affects many individuals at various points of the life span in the United States. The aim was to find out if creative occupations are effective for this population and how could they be incorporated into occupational therapy practice. Overall, there is limited research in areas of creative occupations specific to occupational therapy practices. There were several studies that showed the effectiveness of particular art therapy interventions for those with mental illness. These positive outcomes provided support that regular participation in creative outcomes did reduce overall depression and anxiety symptoms while increasing activity in occupational performance. The strengths of the overall studies are strong, but the specific outcomes on the effectiveness of reduction of mental illness had mixed support with creative occupations and could use further research.