A Narrative Approach: Perceptions of Mental Health Services and The Role of Creative Arts Therapies in South Africa’s Coloured Communities

Abstract

This research examines perceptions of mental health services and the role of creative arts therapies within South Africa's Coloured communities using a narrative approach. Employing qualitative narrative inquiry, the study gathers personal stories from professional mental health workers in the Cape Flats area of Cape Town. Narrative inquiry systematically studies how people experience the world and construct meaning through stories. Through the semi-structured online interviews, the research aimed to uncover nuanced perspectives on mental health and creative arts therapies. Data was collected through audio recordings, with written consent from participants, and analysed using thematic analysis. Theoretical analysis is informed by critical race theory to examine how historical and contemporary inequalities influence mental health experiences. Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) was employed to identify and interpret narrative patterns and themes, ensuring adherence to ethical practices, including informed consent and confidentiality.