What about the art? Interpreting creative outputs in arts-based youth mental health research: the RESPOND framework

BACKGROUND: Arts based research practices (ABRPs) are increasingly used to support children and young people (CYP) experiencing complex mental health challenges. Yet the artistic outputs generated within such research are rarely analysed, potentially limiting understanding of how creative artefacts can contribute to meaning making and programme evaluation. This study, part of the UKRI-funded CREATE project, addresses this methodological gap by examining how CYP, researchers and arts practitioners approach the interpretation of youth produced art within mental health research. METHODS: An initial scoping review identified existing approaches to analysing creative products in ABRP mental health studies. Guided by key questions emerging from the review, two interdisciplinary "living labs" (one using visual art and one using drama) were conducted with adolescent co-researchers, academic researchers, and arts facilitators. Data included group discussions, fieldnotes, creative artefacts and video recordings. A hybrid of framework and thematic analysis generated five analytical domains alongside overarching relational and ethical considerations. RESULTS: Participants preferred a sequenced, dialogic process beginning with art immanent observation and moving toward contextual calibration. Group interpretation broadened perspectives, while protected solo stages safeguarded individual voice. Interpretation shifted dynamically across affective and cognitive modes. These findings coalesced into the RESPOND framework, capturing how meaning can emerge through embodied response, pattern recognition, temporal reframing and dialogue. CONCLUSIONS: RESPOND provides a flexible, practice-sensitive method for integrating creative outputs into mental health research. It strengthens interpretive rigour while preserving the relational, ethical and participatory values central to ABRP with young people.