Enhancing Cross-Cultural Communication and Cognitive Health Through Chinese Papercutting: A Comparative Study of Welsh and Chinese Adults

Jia, Wenxia (2025) Enhancing Cross-Cultural Communication and Cognitive Health Through Chinese Papercutting: A Comparative Study of Welsh and Chinese Adults. Doctoral thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the innovative intersection of traditional Chinese papercutting art with cognitive health and cross-cultural communication within the Welsh context. It introduces the "Chinese Papercutting Cross-Cultural Cognitive Enhancement Model" as a pioneering intervention, an original contribution to the field, developed to address both theoretical gaps and practical challenges encountered in professional settings where cultural understanding and cognitive health intersect. Designed with a practical orientation, the model equips practitioners with actionable strategies to enhance cognitive health through structured artistic practices. By integrating theories from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, art therapy, and cultural studies, this research demonstrates how Chinese papercutting stimulates cognitive functions through enhancing neural plasticity, psychological well-being, social integration, and cross-cultural understanding. Central to this study are innovative workshops held in Wales, which serve as empirical sites to evaluate and refine the model's efficacy. Specifically, these workshops facilitated rich data collection through participatory observation, surveys, and interviews, providing iterative feedback to ensure the model's practical relevance and adaptability. To further validate the model, the research employed two case studies targeting local Welsh individuals and Chinese immigrants to compare the intervention's effects across cultural backgrounds. The findings reveal significant cognitive, emotional, and social benefits, demonstrating that the workshops effectively tested the model's hypothesis and validated its applicability across diverse participant groups. This comparative approach enriches the study by providing insights into the model's versatility and effectiveness across demographics. Additionally, the author's professional background as a cultural educator and organiser of cultural programmes informed the development of the workshops, ensuring their alignment with practical contexts and enhancing their applicability to real-world settings. In terms of contributions, the thesis makes substantial advancements to knowledge and practice by constructing an original theoretical model elucidating the cognitive and social benefits of Chinese papercutting; innovating research methodology by integrating participatory workshops as both intervention and data collection tools; and demonstrating the model's practical application and effectiveness in enhancing cognitive health and promoting cultural exchange. Furthermore, this research advocates for the inclusion of traditional arts in public health strategies, educational curricula, and professional practices, highlighting their roles in advancing global understanding and cooperation. The findings not only validate the model but also reinforce the value of participatory approaches in bridging theoretical constructs and empirical outcomes. Ultimately, the study invites further interdisciplinary research and practical exploration into using artistic activities for cognitive health enhancement, community engagement, social cohesion, and cultural integration in an increasingly globalised society.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology N Fine Arts > NK Decorative arts Applied arts Decoration and ornament
Divisions:	Theses and Dissertations > Doctoral Theses
Depositing User:	Victoria Hankinson
Date Deposited:	21 Aug 2025 14:57
Last Modified:	21 Aug 2025 14:57
URI:	https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3886

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