Students’ voices on the effects of expressive activities on their creativity, affectivity, and social relationships

ABSTRACT

It has been suggested that expressive and creative activities have great potential for the development of several areas of human development. Therefore, this study aimed to know students’ views on creativity, social relationships, and affectivity after participating in expressive activities (dance, drama, and rhythm) based on a creative approach within Physical Education. Seventy-three children aged 11 participated in these activities, and 19 (58% boys) responded to a semi-structured interview. Results revealed three main themes: 1) greater creativity and transference to other contexts; 2) self-confidence, loss of shame, and greater expression of emotions; 3) closer and new social relationships among peers. Children felt more creative and imaginative after the intervention and tried to transfer their acquired creative skills to other contexts. Regarding affectivity, they gained self-confidence during the sessions and felt less embarrassed to express their emotions. Their social skills also improved: they felt comfortable playing and being creative with their classmates, discovered new skills among their peers, and made new friendships. These findings suggest that expressive and creative activities in Physical Education can contribute positively to cognitive, affective, and social domains.

KEYWORDS:

• Creativity
• dance
• social relationships
• affectivity
• children
• physical education

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the PE teacher for her contribution and participation in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the The first author received funding from the Spanish Ministry of Universities through the European Union-Next Generation [Postdoc Margarita Salas 2022-2024 funded by the University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain (2021-MS-20567)].

Notes on contributors

María Pilar León

María Pilar León is PhD in Physical Education. Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Murcia and the University of Castilla-La Mancha. Her main research topics are body image, Physical Education, physical activity, and dance.

Arturo Díaz Suárez

Arturo Díaz Suárez is PhD in Sports Science. Professor in the Faculty of Sports Science of the University of Murcia. His main research topics are sport management, health-related physical activity, and motor development.

Francisco-José Borrego-Balsalobre

Francisco José Borrego is PhD in Sports Science. Associated Lecturer in the Faculty of Sports Science of the University of Murcia. His main research topics are Physical Education, recreation, leisure, and sport management.