"Major research" done in poetry for psychological treatment

Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim stated yesterday that research has been done to give psychological  treatment to those who are affected with literature and poetry as a medium.

While responding to a journalist at a press briefing, Minister Adam Naseer said that Deputy Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Ogaru Waheed) has done research into possibility treatment via poetry.

The minister said that a lot of research was done, with him having received it.

As per the minister, research into providing psychological relief treatment via poetry is being done at Maldives National University (MNU) and some private companies. However, the minister said that the only one that has been completed is the "major research" done by the Deputy Minister.

The beginning the research into this treatment option and whether it is feasible was announced by the minister on World Poetry Day last year at the celebration held at GDh. Thinadhoo.

Minister Adam Naseer stated that poetry is not just an artform and that it is a much more powerful tool. He went on to state that poetry in developed countries is a resource being used to treat psychological issues, with it being used in medicine as well.

"Poetry is a resource in medical treatment. This has been done all across the world and is being done as we speak. The Prophet Isa apparently also used poetry as a treatment 100 years ago. There is research that has been done into this," said Minister Adam Naseer.

"As per the research, Prophet Isa used poetry as medical treatment 100 years ago."

The ministry held a discussion with the police earlier this year regarding treatment options that include Maldivian literature as an aid to those with psychological issues.