Introduction: Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Support can be provided by the arts. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with depressive symptoms after a circus performance. Methods: A qualitative research study using a phenomenological approach was carried out. The design was approved by an ethics committee. Volunteers were referred by general practitioners to an ambulatory cultural program and were invited to express their experience throughout interviews that were analyzed with the interpretative phenomenological analysis method. Results: Twelve patients participated in the interviews. The effect on the patient was linked to interactions with the performance. It was an effective way of socializing for patients. The show offered patients distance from their daily difficulties. The circus provided specific elements as a resource for patient empowerment. The experience lived by patients during a circus performance is a cognitive phenomenon inducing an influence on the spectator with depressive symptoms. A beneficial effect depended on the artistic content selected, the support offered by the organization operator, and the medical orientation. Conclusions: The observations characterized the emotional reception of a circus show among people. This study invites further exploration of the impact of circus art on the quality of life of patients with depressive symptoms.
Keywords: art therapy; arts; depressive symptoms; health promotion; mental health.