Mental health and illnesses are a rising and prevalent problem among young New Zealanders.
The mental health of an individual at 18-26 years old will illustrate and depict how they will live and navigate their way through life after. The case of mitigating mental illness at an early stage is a concept that is not heavily emphasised enough. Even with the current policies and treatments, it has been proven unsuccessful or outdated.
Through a combination of art and sensor technology, MONA seeks to support and reduce the mental distress of young individuals.
At a young age, I used art to express and communicate feelings I couldn't put into words. From painting and sketching to reading about art and the constant want to visit art galleries, I found peace and relaxation when I centred my days around art.
In a recent study, it was found that 81% of participants' overall psychological health had improved after partaking in art therapy (Adam McMath, 2023).
MONA utilises the benefits of art-based practices as a strategy to reduce the mental distress of the user.
Through a physiological sensor, such as a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor, the application's system will observe and use real-time data taken from the sensors, to then suggest activities for the user to do.
The 'Wartegg Drawing Completion Test' is a personality test used "to reveal aspects of personality for diagnostic analysis" (Harvey, 2016). In this case, it has been incorporated into the app for the user to gain an understanding of themselves.
Other in-app features include a section to read articles about art and other art-related subjects. Users can use reading as a strategy to relax and enter a meditative state.
Above, is a video summary of the MONA application.
- Adam McMath. (2023, April 19). The Compelling Impact of Art Therapy: 6 Eye-Opening Statistics. Black Alphabet. https://www.blackalphabet.org/....
- Harvey, J. (2016, November 29). Exploring personality with The Drawing Completion Test. JULIA HARVEY HOLISTIC HEALTH. https://www.juliaharvey.co.uk/...
