Replicating a Therapeutic Art Group Protocol for Parents of Youth With Chronic Pain

Abstract

Interventions for parents are important during intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) for youth. Therapeutic art reinforces parent strengths and promotes healthy coping during their child’s treatment. This study measured the feasibility of implementing a published, parent-only group-based therapeutic art intervention in an IIPT program, delivered by a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) with training in therapeutic art. While their child participated in IIPT, forty-two parents participated in at least one therapeutic art group. Content rotated through four modules designed to promote reflection on interpersonal relationships, cultivate support, identify values, acknowledge personal struggles and barriers, and increase artistic self-expression (Pielech et. al., 2013). Following each group, parents completed measures of perceived satisfaction and helpfulness as well as open-ended questions for qualitative analysis. The mixed method design was used to provide depth to the understanding of these parents’ experiences. Supporting feasibility, the full intervention was replicated in a different setting with different providers. Parents attended 69% of sessions, reported little difficulty attending, and reported a high degree of satisfaction, helpfulness, and support. Following each group, parents completed measures of perceived satisfaction and helpfulness as well as open-ended questions. A mixed method design was used to provide depth to the understanding of these parents’ experiences.