Reviewing Psychological Recovery for Older Adults during Group Visual Art Therapy via Culture

Background The creative arts therapies (CATs) enhance mental health and support cognitive functioning in older age. However, there remains a gap in research regarding their utilisation and older adults’ attitudes towards participation. Aims This study explored older Israeli adults’ perceived barriers and facilitators to engaging in CATs, among individuals with and without prior experience. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 older adults: 10 who had participated in CATs, mostly in art therapy, and 10 who had not. This design enabled a deeper exploration of engagement, with non-participants providing insights into barriers. Results A thematic analysis yielded five themes: (1) Preconceptions about mental health services and CATs can act as barriers to utilisation; (2) Referrals and prior familiarity facilitate utilisation; (3) CATs are perceived as less threatening than other forms of mental health services; (4) CATs provide an opportunity to rectify past experiences of self-criticism and oppression related to artistic expression; (5) CATs facilitate a process of self-discovery. Cultural, gender, and migration influences may also shape attitudes toward CATs. Conclusions The barriers include mental health stigma, self-stigmatisation of artistic abilities, lack of awareness of CATs, and inadequate referrals. Facilitators include previous art experience, the less intimidating nature of CATs, and the increased self-confidence and personal growth resulting from participation. Cultural sensitivity is essential, since norms and values may shape engagement with CATs. Implications for practice Identifying barriers and facilitators to CATs is crucial, for promoting their utilization among older adults. These findings are primarily applicable to art therapy, and further research is needed to explore their relevance to other CATs modalities. Plain-language summary The creative arts therapies (CATs), which cover art, drama, music, and dance movement therapies, have been shown to improve mental health and well-being in older adults. However, little is known about older adults′ attitudes towards CATs and the barriers and facilitators influencing their engagement. This study explored these attitudes and identified ways to increase older Israeli adults’ participation in CATs. We interviewed 20 older adults, 10 of whom had participated in CATs, mostly in visual art therapy, and 10 who had not, to provide insights into the barriers to participation. Five key findings were identified. Preconceptions about mental health services and misconceptions about CATs, such as the belief that they require artistic skill, discourage participation. Previous exposure to CATs or personal recommendations encourage engagement. CATs are seen as less intimidating than traditional talk therapy, making them more approachable. CATs help older adults overcome struggles with self-criticism and develop confidence in their creative abilities. CATs provide opportunities for self-expression and personal growth. Cultural, gender, and migration influences may also shape attitudes toward CATs. These findings highlight the need to reduce stigma, increase awareness of CATs, and make them more accessible. By addressing these barriers and building on factors that encourage participation, CATs can become a powerful tool to support mental health and enhance well-being in older adults.

Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN) is one of the most pejorative prognostic factor of functional outcome after stroke. Modern Visual Art Therapy (VAT) is an innovative approach introducing art into a care process. The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility and benefits of VAT by a trained art-therapist in addition to standard rehabilitation in cognitive functions and quality of life in post stroke patients.We selected 67 consecutive patients and we finally included 23 patients (13 women, 10 men), mean age of70.43 (12.15) into three groups: 7 in AAT group, 8 in CAT group and SR group respectively. Patients were included into three groups: 7 patients received Active Art Therapy (AAT) sessions; 8 Contemplative Art Therapy (CAT) sessions; 8 Standard Rehabilitation (SR) alone.We notice a trend to improve USN and Mini-Mental Status-Examination (MMSE) in all groups of patients and this persisted at long-term follow-up (V3). This improvement of cognitive performances was more marked in the VAT groups. All patients showed also a global improvement of their quality of life (QoL) at the long-term follow-up, particularly in the CAT group. Depression score remained high in SR group comparing to VAT group.Modern visual art-therapy (VAT) delivered by a trained art-therapist seems to be a positive and feasible additional method of rehabilitation of neglect in sub-acute post-stroke patients. We recommend VAT also to improve depression and quality of life during rehabilitation period. This is the first study to evaluate the impact of VAT delivered by a trained art-therapist in rehabilitation of neglect post-stroke patients. Our findings should be confirmed by others studies with larger sample patients including brain imaging.

본 연구의 목적은 학교폭력 가해자 대상 예술치료 중심의 국내 연구 동향을 분석하는 것이다. 2009년부터 2018년까지 지난 10년 동안 학교폭력 가해학생을 대상으로 연구된 학술지 121편과 학위논문 98편의 총 219편 중에서, 예술치료 연구 총 26편을 추출하여 본 연구대상으로 선정하였다. 예술치료의 세부영역은 음악치료, 미술치료, 무용/동작치료, 영화치료, 연극치료, 문학치료의 6개로 분류하여 연구영역(교과)비교, 연도, 연구대상, 예술치료 내 영역, 연구 설계 및 방법, 프로그램 실행 관련 분석, 예술치료 활용매체 및 연구결과 분석에 의한 전체 7개 유형으로 나누어 분석되었다. 내용분석의 결과 예술치료 연구는 2013년에서 2015년에 걸쳐 활발히 연구되었으며, 중학생 대상 연구가 가장 많았다. 연구 세부영역에서는 미술치료가 가장 많이 연구되었다. 연구 설계 및 방법은 실험집단과 통제집단을 대상으로 한 혼합연구방법을 주로 사용되었다. 예술치료 프로그램 실행 관련 분석에서는 주 2회 10회기 이상 30~90분 이상의 프로그램이 가장 많았다. 예술치료 매체에서는 만다라, 꼴라주, 노래 부르기, 악기연주, 즉흥연주가 가장 많이 활용되었으며, 그 결과 대상군의 특성을 파악하는 보조 자료로써 활용가능성과 주요증상 감소에 영향이 있는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구에서 최종결과는 첫째, 학교폭력 가해자 대상 연구에서 예술치료 내 미술치료 외 다른 영역의 치료가 보다 더 활발히 진행될 필요가 있으며, 둘째, 다양한 연구 설계 및 방법과 매체의 적용이 필요하며, 셋째, 학교폭력 대상군의 연구에서 아동을 대상으로 한 연구가 많아질 필요가 있으며, 마지막으로 예술치료 세부 영역 내에서는 각 분야의 치료 매체 활용이 더 다양화되어져야 한다.The objective of this study is to analyze the trends in Korea concerning studies on arts therapy for offenders of school violence. Of a total of 219 studies of which 121 were academic papers and 98 were theses studying offenders of school violence over the past decade from 2009 to 2018, 26 studies on arts therapy were selected to be analyzed. The detailed categories of arts therapy were divided into the six categories of music therapy, visual arts therapy, dance/movement therapy, film therapy, theater therapy and literature therapy. The studies were analyzed into a total of seven types based on study fields (subjects), year, study participants, areas within arts therapy, the design and methodology of the study, analysis realted to implementation of programs, use of media in arts therapy and study results. The analysis showed that arts therapy studies were actively conducted from 2013 to 2015, with middle school students being the most frequent subjects. In terms of detailed study fields, visual arts therapy was the most frequent. in terms of study design and methodology, a mixed study method with an experiment group and a control group, was most often used. In terms of programs, those lasting 30-90 minutes for more than 10 sessions, with two sessions per week, were the most common. In terms of media used in arts therapy, mandala, collage, singing, musical instrument playing and spontaneous music playing were the most frequently used. The results of this study will be meaningful as a supplement material in understanding the characteristics of the study subjects to reduce major symptoms. The findings of this study were as follows: First, in the study on offenders of school violence, there needs to be more varied therapies used in addition to visual arts therapy. Second, a wide variety of designs, methodology and media need to be applied. Third, there should be more studies conducted on children. Lastly, in terms of the detailed field of arts therapy, therapy media in each field should become more varied.

Anxiety disorders are common, affecting about one-third of people globally and often persist despite standard treatments. Visual art therapy, involving guided creative activities such as drawing or painting, has emerged as a complementary approach to alleviate anxiety. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of visual art therapy for reducing anxiety in adults. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science (October 2017-June 2025) was conducted. We included RCTs of adults (18-65 years) receiving a visual art therapy intervention (e.g., painting, drawing, coloring) versus any control condition. Fourteen RCTs (total N = 1,686) met the inclusion criteria. All 14 trials found significantly greater anxiety reduction in art therapy groups compared to controls, with interventions ranging from a single 15-30 minute art-making session to 5-12 week art therapy programs. Anxiety scores improved more in art therapy participants across both clinical and high-stress non-clinical groups. Although no meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity, all trials reported positive outcomes for art-based interventions. Current evidence strongly supports visual art therapy as an effective intervention for reducing anxiety symptoms in adults. It yields meaningful anxiety reductions across diverse formats (from brief art-making sessions to multi-week programs). As an accessible intervention complementing standard treatments, art therapy represents a valuable integrative approach to anxiety management.

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with no literacy are at increased risk of progression to dementia. Whether it is feasible to engage this population in visual art therapy (VAT) and yield effects on cognition and depression remained unclear. A pilot mixed-method single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in a sample of community-dwelling older adults with MCI. The experimental group (n = 21) was assigned to 12 sessions of VAT over 6 weeks, and the control group (n = 18) was assigned to 6 weekly health education (HE) on nonbrain health topics. Participants were evaluated at baseline using Montreal Cognitive Assessment-5-minute protocol (MoCA-5-min) and Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF). A focus group discussion (FGD) was also conducted to the experimental group to explore their experiences of participating in the VAT. Findings indicated that both VAT and HE groups had significant improvement in MoCA-5-min scores and depressed mood over time; however, the significant group × time interaction effect was noted only for the psychological outcome. Findings from the FGD indicated that participants had challenging experiences at the beginning of the therapy, but later, they were able to cope and found that the VAT was relevant and beneficial for their cognitive and psychosocial health. This pilot study provided initial evidence about the potential benefit of VAT in improving cognitive and psychological well-being of older adults with MCI and low literacy and provided insights on how to better engage them in this cognitive stimulating intervention. A full-scale trial is recommended for a stringent evaluation.

To investigate the effects of visual art therapy (VAT) on cognitive and psychological outcomes and explore the crucial design characteristics of VAT that might be associated with greater cognitive benefits among older adults. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Peer reviewed articles were searched from Medline, EMBASE, Global Health, Cochrane Library, Ovid Nursing database, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index, and CINAHL Complete from inception of the databases to September 2019. This review and meta-analysis was conducted and reported according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to examine the risk of bias of the studies. Narrative synthesis and quantitative meta-analysis were performed. Twelve articles published between 2004-2019 involving 831 participants were identified. VAT significantly improved global cognitive function compared with different control groups (Hedges' g=0.348 [95% CI=0.026-0.671], p=.034, I2 =66.570%). VAT also demonstrated psychological benefits in reducing depressive symptoms and anxiety. By systematic comparison of the intervention designs, it seems that those with greater cognitive benefit involved a higher level of creativity and optimized the use of essential components including art education, reminiscence, art processing, cognitive evaluation, art crafts/modelling, and socialization. Visual art therapy could be effective in improving cognitive functions and the associated psychological symptoms. Therefore, it can be adopted as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for preventing cognitive decline and dementia. This review answers the key question about the pooled effect of VAT as nonpharmacological therapy on preventing or managing dementia. In addition, it informs on the design characteristics of an effective VAT for implementing among older adults. This research will have an impact on the gerontological care and support the evidence about non-pharmacological approaches to prevent and manage dementia.

Effects of different art therapy interventions on cognitive functions in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Introduction The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders and emotional pain poses a critical challenge to social well-being and healthcare equity. Visual art therapy is well established as a clinical and nonclinical intervention for emotional pain that promotes self-regulation and psychological insight. However, there is a lack of research that clearly maps the previous studies that use both subjective and objective measures to examine the impact of art therapy on emotional pain. Methods This scoping review focuses on studies that use brain or physiological measurement in investigating the effect of art therapy on emotional pain in healthy adults. A systematic search of academic databases and scholarly information systems MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Engineering Village, Web of Science, Academic Search Ultimate, and Epistemonikos was conducted in May 2025. It identified 4,734 relevant records, of which 12 full texts were screened, and 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results Evidence indicates that visual art therapy can improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety, fear, and sadness, also modulating activity across multiple brain regions. Overall, fNIRS studies reported increased activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex after art therapy, and studies on HR, skin conductance, salivary cortisol, sAA, IL-6, CRP, and RSA illustrated its positive effects in reducing stress, anxiety, and sad mood. Discussion However, existing research has primarily addressed emotional pain, with no studies assessing its impact on physical pain in healthy populations using objective physiological or biological measures, showing that there is a gap for assessing physical pain improvement by art therapy. These findings highlight both the therapeutic potential of visual art interventions and the need for further research to explore their effects on physical pain. Systematic review registration This review was registered on the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/935kw , date created and registered: 24. 07. 2025).

Visual art therapy is an emerging non-pharmacological intervention that integrates mental health and human services to enhance cognitive functions. It has shown promising results in supporting cognitive performance among healthy elderly individuals, those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and individuals with mild to moderate dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). Given the limitations of current pharmacological treatments for dementia, visual art therapy presents an accessible, engaging alternative that fosters cognitive, sensory, and emotional stimulation-potentially contributing to neuroplastic changes in the aging brain. Here, we review recent applications of visual art therapy for these populations, particularly focusing on AD. The review highlights the significant impact of visual art therapy on cognitive function, summarizing the main approaches used and exploring mechanisms of cognitive enhancement, which may involve alterations in brain structure, neuroplasticity, and the promotion of sensory system neuroplasticity, particularly in audition and vision. It also discusses enhancements in functional connectivity within the default mode network. Future research should investigate optimal art therapy methods, scientific evaluation and quantitative analysis, explore integration with other non-pharmacological interventions, and pursue interdisciplinary investigation of art therapy mechanisms through neuroimaging. This review offers new insights into the empirical evidence supporting the use of visual art therapy for improving cognitive function in both healthy elderly individuals and dementia patients, explores potential neurobiological mechanisms underlying its cognitive benefits, and identifies current gaps and future directions for interdisciplinary research and clinical application, thereby fostering further research and application to address cognitive decline.

Schizophrenia is characterized by psychiatric symptoms and emotional issues. While pharmacological treatments have limitations, non-pharmacological interventions are essential. Art therapy has the potential to enhance emotional expression, communication, and health; however, the effectiveness of visual art therapy remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of visual art therapy on positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and emotions in patients with schizophrenia. This study reviews RCTs published prior to February, 2024. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CEPS, CNKI, Wanfang, and Yiigle databases were searched, and three independent researchers screened the studies. In this meta-analysis, standardized mean difference (SMD) was employed as a measure to calculate effect sizes for continuous variables using a random effects model, while the meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed with patient and intervention characteristics. A total of 31 studies revealed visual art therapy had a significant small-to-moderate effect on positive symptoms (SMD = 0.407, 95% CI 0.233 to 0.581), a moderate effect on negative symptoms (SMD = 0.697, 95% CI 0.514 to 0.880), a moderate effect on depression (SMD = 0.610, 95% CI 0.398 to 0.821), and a large effect on anxiety (SMD = 0.909, 95% CI 0.386 to 1.433). The subgroup analysis revealed painting and handcrafts had significant effects on positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and emotions. Combined Chinese calligraphy and painting had significant effects on positive symptoms, depression, and anxiety. Better improvement was noted among the Asian population, and a longer weekly treatment duration was associated with better improvement in positive symptoms. Female participants tended to have more improvements in negative symptoms and anxiety through visual art therapy. The results indicate that visual art therapy has positive effects on the psychiatric symptoms and emotions of individuals with schizophrenia. We recommend future research further investigate art therapy modalities and durations.

ABSTRACTThis paper describes the diagnostic and treatment utility of visual art therapy in a case of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. Visual art therapy was compared longitudinally with clinical and neuroimaging data over five-month period in an autopsy-confirmed case of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease of MM2-cortical subtype. Art therapy sessions and content were useful in ascertaining neuropsychiatric symptoms during the course of her illness. Art therapy offered a unique emotional and cognitive outlet as illness progressed.Patients and families affected by sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease may benefit from art therapy despite the rapidly progressive nature of the illness. Art therapy can also be useful for assessment of patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease by healthcare professionals.

The article discusses the features of art therapy in modern psychology, examines its essence and describes different areas of art therapy. In modern psychology, art therapy as therapy tool is one of the psychological methods promoting formation of a holistic and creative personality, opening new possibilities for self-realization and helping people find new ways of interaction with the world to improve interpersonal relationships. Art therapy is based on mobilization of human creative potential, internal mechanisms of self-regulation and healing. The art therapy features are: use of metaphors, triad influence and resourcefulness. The art therapy areas are: visual art therapy, fairytale therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, phototherapy and others. Visual art therapy means psychotherapy with drawing or painting that allows clients to feel and understand themselves, to express freely their thoughts and feelings, to develop empathy, to be themselves, and also to get rid of negative experiences. Drawing develops sensory-motor coordination, and improves links between the cerebral hemispheres, since the drawing process coordinates the image thinking, related mainly with actuation of the right hemisphere, with the abstract logic, for which the left hemisphere is responsible. Fairytale therapy is psychotherapy that uses the fairy-tale form for an individual’s psychological integration, development of creative abilities, expansion of consciousness, improvement of interactions with the outside world. In fairytale therapy, the healing metaphorical potential of fairy tales is used to help both children and adults learn about their inner world, discover their capabilities, cope with different life situations, and build harmonious relationships with the outside world and the social environment. Music therapy is psychotherapy that uses music for healing and rehabilitative purposes. The basis of music therapy is the psychotherapeutic effect of music on humans. Music therapy promotes harmonization and stabilization of clients’ emotional sphere, helps develop communicative, creative and empathic abilities, helps establish and develop interpersonal relationships. Dance-motion therapy means psychotherapeutic use of dance and movements because such process promotes integration of an individual’s emotional and physical states, namely in the awareness of his/her body, in expression of his/her emotions and feelings, in development of communication skills and interpersonal interactions. It is important for dance-movement therapy that movements influence perception; emotions and feelings can be expressed through them; breathing and touches are used. Dance movements have symbolic meanings; they contribute to an individual’s internal transformations and formation of a whole personality. Phototherapy is a therapy that is based on the use of photography to solve psychological problems, as well as for personal growth and development. Thanks to phototherapy, an individual has the opportunity to see at his/her life from an unexpected point of view, to find new solutions for different areas of his/her life. Phototherapy allows a person to find their own creative vision of the world. Therefore, art therapy is an effective method of psychological help and one of the most productive ways of creative self-expression.

Aim: The goal is to explore available evidence and provide greater clarity to what is described as psychosocial intervention to improve cognitive function among older population with MCI as well as identifying areas for future research. Methods: An electronic literature search of PubMed, Cochrane, Ebscohost, Medline, Scopus, and gray resource was conducted to find articles published in English language between 2010 and September 2020. This review focused on research undertaken using randomized clinical trials study design. We extracted information regarding the publication date, geographical location, study setting, intervention mechanism, type of cognitive measurement used, and outcome of the studies. References of this literature were also reviewed to ensure comprehensive search. Result: Out of 240 potential records found, a total of 27 articles were identified following the first round of screening and deletion of duplicates. Full-text article reviews and analysis in the second round of screening narrowed the selection down to four articles. Another three relevant articles obtained from references were also included making a total of seven articles in the final analysis. Findings: Psychosocial intervention strategies for improvement of cognitive function, done in various setting all over the globe, covered a range of approaches including art therapy, visual art therapy, therapeutic writing therapy, reminiscence activity, and cognitive behavioral approach. Most were conducted in weekly basis within 1-to-2-hour duration of session. Cognitive function of older adult in psychosocial intervention group was significantly improved in two studies. Three studies showed no significant improvement at all in the cognitive function, and another one reported success in improving cognitive function over time in the intervention group than in control group. One study did not describe the interaction effect. Different types of cognitive measurement also were used to quantify different domains of cognitive function in the reviewed studies. Conclusion: The idea of using psychosocial intervention for improving cognitive function has begun to increasingly accepted recently. Findings from the limited studies are encouraging, although the outcome of the cognitive function was mixed. Large-scale and longer duration of psychosocial intervention with bigger sample size is warranted for future studies.

Art therapy is one of the non-pharmacological treatment modalities for many diseases, including neurological and psychiatric disorders. Adrian Hill started art therapy in the 1940s. Parkinson`s disease is one of the progressive neurodegenerative diseases characterized by various motor and non-motor symptoms. As patients with Parkinson`s disease often report low quality of life despite improving their motor symptoms, complementary therapy may reduce their difficulties. Music and dance therapy, clay manipulation therapy, and tai chi training have promising results. There is also art therapy for one of the most common causes of dementia worldwide, Alzheimer`s disease. In addition to standard pharmacological treatment for Alzheimer`s disease e.g. cholinesterase inhibitors, music and visual arts therapy are evolving. This article presented some of the art therapy methods used in the most common neurodegenerative disorders, Parkinson`s and Alzheimer`s. In addition, we also presented some of the limitations of those studies. Some of the limitations are as follows: small sample size, relatively short duration of therapy sessions, and the fact that it is doubtful that art therapy could improve symptoms and cognitive abilities of people with advanced forms of neurodegenerative disorders.

Personality disorders (PD) are based not just on maladaptive ideas about self and others, they also are grounded on embodied patterns of behaviors and reactions to interpersonal stressors. There is growing interest in working with the body and through the body so to address automatisms that lead to suffering and dysfunctional social action. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In-Session the use of art and psychomotor therapies for these patients was explored by seven different clinical perspectives. Patients described presented with different PD and associated symptoms. The arts and psychomotor therapies deployed in personality disorder treatment are: (visual) art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, dance (movement) therapy, and psychomotor therapy making psychotherapeutic use of the different modalities: art, music, play, role-play, performance, improvisation, dance, body awareness and movement. Interventions provide kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities to invite alternative modes of meaning-making, accessing own needs and wishes, and communicating them to others. In this commentary we summarize some of the different topics covered by the clinical-based papers, including working mechanisms of arts and psychomotor therapies, the importance of bottom-up emotion regulation processes, how to treat trauma in the presence of a PD, how to integrate art and psychomotor therapies in a fine-grained formulation and how to understand the process of change. Although there is a need for more empirical research, we hope this issue makes a solid case that clinicians can effectively include art and psychomotor therapies when treating the full range of PD.