Co-creative art processes with cancer patients from the artists’ perspective: a qualitative study exploring resonance theory

PURPOSE: Co-creation, characterised by artists and patients creating a joint work of art, may support patients with the integration of life events into their life story, such as living with cancer. In the process of co-creation, resonance relationships between patients, artists and material may evolve that support integration. We aim to investigate if and if so, how resonance relationships occur from the perspective of the artist. METHODS: We used the first 10 audio recordings of supervision sessions between eight artists and their two supervisors on ongoing co-creation processes with cancer patients. By conducting a qualitative template analysis in AtlasTi, we searched for the presence of resonance, as defined by its four main characteristics, Being affected, touched and moved; Self-efficacy and responding; Moments of uncontrollability; and Adaptive transformation. In addition, two case descriptions are presented. RESULTS: We found resonance relationships to be present in the studied co-creation processes where moments of uncontrollability can lead to a next step in the process of co-creation and as such form an important factor within co-creation. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests focus on elements of resonance relationships within co-creation, specifically practising with uncontrollability while working with art, could strengthen interventions targeting integration of life events in advanced cancer patients.