Arts-Based Experiential Learning and Human Flourishing: A PERMA-Informed Case Study of Community Mural Making

The worsening mental health epidemic among college students is marked by significant risk for loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Given that the demand for mental health care is outpacing institutional capacity, creative solutions are needed to augment traditional reactive interventions. In this qualitative research, we used narrative case study to explore the transformative power of community mural-making as experiential learning. Drawing on Seligman’s PERMA model (positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment) we investigated how creative expression can cultivate positive psychological states to help students flourish (1991; 2011; 2018). Mural making promotes the crucial skills of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Outdoor public mural-making connects college students to their local community. In this research, we used interviews with 15 participants (university students and community members) involved in three levee mural projects. Findings illustrate that engaging in this collaborative creative expression successfully fosters all five domains of human flourishing. Positive relationships and accomplishment were the most frequently reported aspects, highlighting the power of arts-based experiential learning to build social bonds and a sense of mastery toward a shared goal. While participant self-selection is a limitation, this research supports the use of arts-based experiential learning as a viable strategy for higher education practitioners to develop positive education focused on holistic and proactive student well-being.