Effectiveness and meaningfulness of art therapy as a tool for healthy aging: a comprehensive systematic review protocol.

Abstract

Review question/objective The aim of this review is to determine the impact of art therapy on the physical and mental health outcomes of elderly people. More specifically, the objectives are to identify: The impact of art therapy participation on the individuals’ physical wellness and mental health/emotional needs. The experience and meaningfulness of the aged person and their participation either in group art therapy situations or in one on one situations Inclusion criteria Types of participants Participants will be people aged 65 years or over, who are considered “healthy’” i.e. with no evidence or diagnosis of dementia or other cognitive disabilities. They will either be in nursing home care, community care, day care, residential, low-care, supported living or the medical home. They may have no family or other emotional support and be suffering from increasing introspection, which can have a profound impact on a person’s physical and mental health. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest The intervention of interest will be art therapy with a focus on the visual arts. All available techniques will be considered, including for example, art therapy sessions using a variety of tools, drawing, painting, computer manipulated imagery, photography and any other mode of visual expression. Art therapy techniques examined will be those used in the group situation or with the individual aged person. There will be no limitations as to who runs the art therapy program (i.e. artist, professional art therapist, general therapist), and the therapy can be self-directed. Duration and frequency of sessions can vary, depending on a person’s health and stamina. The phenomena of interest will be the experiences and meaning assigned to participating in art therapy by elderly people. Comparator The comparator will be no intervention, that is, participants who experienced art therapy will be compared to those who did not. Types of outcomes Quantitative outcomes will look at physical and mental health outcomes and behavioral characteristics as measured by self-report or validated scales/instruments. Indicators will include measures of cognitive function, depression scales and frequency of participation in-group or individual art therapy activities. Changes in the participants’ communication skills, TRUNCATED AT 350 WORDS