Title: Can we build resilience by way of creativity? Artistic ventures in a London hospice

Authors: Thomas Hirschmann; Nigel Hartley; Steffen Roth

Addresses: Braingraph – Behavioural Digital Analytics, 131 Finsbury Pavement, London, EC2A 1NT, UK ' Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Halberry Lane, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2ER, UK ' La Rochelle Business School, 102 Rue de Coureilles, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Faculty of Sociology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia

Abstract: Resilience and stress management are considered key factors for entrepreneurial success. In this research we propose that controlled, creative confrontation with adversity can help overcome stressful experience by fostering resilience. Our research is based on a neuronal network model that considers resilience in its relation to creativity. This model is applied to several cases at the UK hospice that successfully use art to deal with the stressful conditions of dying inpatients. On this background we outline the concept of 'Controlled Creative Confrontation' that harnesses the creativity-inherent potential for catalytic change to build resilience and permanently transform patient self-perception. This concept is illustrated in three exemplary cases of patients who successfully navigated their impending death by using art to confront, overcome and rebuild coping strategies in the face of ultimate adversity. Describing these cases, we acknowledge the specific aspects of resilience believed to be fostered by creativity. We conclude the research giving an outlook on suggested future studies providing quantitative support for and deeper insight into, the causal relationship between creativity and resilience and their impact on the success of entrepreneurial ventures.

Keywords: creativity; resilience; stress; coping; dying; art; entrepreneurial success; hospice; adversity; controlled creative confrontation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2020.105779

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2020 Vol.24 No.2/3, pp.116 - 131

Accepted: 30 May 2018
Published online: 13 Mar 2020 *

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