Creativity, Well-Being, and Self-Determination Theory in Adolescent Depression

Abstract

Adolescent depressive disorders have increased significantly over the past decade, highlighting the need for accessible and effective mental health interventions. Creativity Camp is a creative arts–based program designed to reduce depressive symptoms in adolescents. Previous implementations of the program utilized the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Flourishing Scale to assess participants’ mental health, with findings indicating a significant reduction in depressive symptoms from pre- to post-camp. The present study aims to extend this work by exploring the motivation underlying adolescents’ participation, using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a guiding framework. SDT proposes that intrinsic motivation is supported by three psychological needs: autonomy, relatedness, and competence. To examine these factors, the Artist Mindset Survey was administered, with each item aligned to one of the three SDT components. Baseline depressive symptoms were measured through parent and youth completion of the CDI and Flourishing Scale prior to the start of the camp. Throughout the program, participants completed the Artist Mindset Survey after each session to track fluctuations in autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Upon completion of Creativity Camp, both parents and adolescents again completed the CDI and Flourishing Scale to assess changes in depressive symptoms. Findings demonstrate a consistent decrease in depressive symptoms following participation in Creativity Camp. Measures of SDT remained relatively stable, suggesting that autonomy, relatedness, and competence may function as underlying motivational factors influencing adolescents’ engagement in the program. These results support the potential of creative arts interventions to promote well-being in youth experiencing depressive symptoms.