Final answer:
True, studies indicate participation in the arts leads to various positive outcomes for youth, including higher cognitive skills and overall better social behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research has indeed shown that participation in the arts by youth leads to positive outcomes such as decreased negative social behaviors, increased student participation and attendance, increased self-esteem and motivation, and higher cognitive skills. In the realm of theatre, for instance, participation has been associated with the development of social skills, renewed self-confidence, and behavioral changes. Such empowerment of youth and young adults through the arts can also develop skills useful in professional careers in arts and entertainment, like acting, drawing, and playing instruments. There is a substantial body of evidence suggesting that the arts can reduce tension, foster a sense of community, and enhance social and cognitive development.
The success of arts programs in educational settings depends upon factors like teacher support and the integration of arts in the curriculum as evidenced by various case studies. These programs can lead to improved grades for students and also encourage a more engaged and empathetic understanding of humanity.
Additionally, arts education fosters a myriad of employable skills such as public performance comfort, communication, improvisation, and empathetic awareness. The benefits of studying the arts, therefore, extend far beyond artistic development and contribute to the holistic development of valuable life and professional skills.