Child-focused outcome and process evaluation of a school-based art therapy intervention: A pilot randomised controlled study

Abstract

This pilot cross-over randomised controlled study aimed to investigate the implementation of a school-based art therapy intervention, and to test whether all elements of the study design (e.g., recruitment, randomisation, follow-up) can work together in a larger study. The process and outcomes were evaluated by children through interviews, standardised questionnaires of quality of life, wellbeing and life functioning, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and biomarkers assessing children’s sleep. Adherence to the therapeutic protocol was rated by the researcher and the art therapist. The greatest impact of art therapy was observed in children’s exploration of safe space, stress relief, emotional expression, and empowerment. The improvements reported through the standardised questionnaires did not reach statistical significance but were maintained one year later. All sessions were given an average rating of 9/10, indicating that children’s session quality ratings were high and consistent across sessions. Sample size calculations for future large-scales studies were performed and recommendations were provided regarding how to improve the impact of art therapy from children’s perspectives.