Animation and Mental Health Psychology

This seminar explored the power of animation and storytelling for addressing mental health in young people through talks from animators, researchers and students. The seminar explored many instances of how animation can be a powerful tool for engaging with vulnerable populations.

Professor Paul Crawford spoke of this long standing interest in mental health and recent collaboration with Aardman animation. Paul is Professor of Health Humanities at the School of Health Sciences, Director of the Centre for Social Futures at the Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, UK.

David Quin spoke of the learning from many years of professional practice module in animation. David has lectured in Animation in IADT since 1999. David Quin’s work with undergraduate students centers around client interaction, project messaging and information transfer, communicating difficult subjects to diverse audiences.

Sophie Kathryn gave a student’s perspective on mental health issues in young people today. Sophie recently completed the BSc in Applied Psychology at IADT. Sophie is National Advocate for Research and Evaluation in Jigsaw – the National Centre for Youth Mental Health. Sophie chairs the Youth Research Council and is a member of the Ethics Committee and Research Planning Board

Sophie said afterwards that  “It was incredible to see the talent displayed by IADT students in collaboration projects with Spunout, RCSI, and the NRH. It was also great to view the “What’s Up with Everyone?” Project that Paul worked on with Aardman.

I believe it’s increasingly important that we meet young people where they are at (online) with interventions to help them with their mental health and I am looking forward to future conversations and projects in this field.”

Student Jack Wells added that “I found it so relevant, thought-provoking, and encouraging going forward – a great space for sharing complimentary perspectives and ideas. I hope the days success encourages many more in the future!”