Using arts psychotherapy in psycho-oncology as a means of coping with stress and anxiety

Abstract

Aim of the studyAccording to the state- of-the-arts in psycho-oncology, cancer, as well as the accompanying medical treatments, is a source of intense emotional stress. As arts psychotherapies favour the imaginary and symbolic elaboration of the tensions of daily life, as well as the re-appropriation of one’s body and personal history, it could play an important role in treatment measures for patients suffering from cancer.Subject or material and methodsWe present an exploratory study with patients treated in an acute cancer ward or in outpatient settings (total N= 42). They assisted to 12 sessions of arts psychotherapy adapted to their physical condition. The evaluation study is based on a mixed methods design, combining the qualitative and quantitative exploration of stories written under musical induction with the qualitative analysis of a final semi-structured interview.ResultsThe comparative and multidimensional analysis of the texts documents a significant evolution. Themes of existential importance come out of the phenomenological analysis of the semi-structured interview, and the cross checking of the texts and the interview points to recurrent categories.DiscussionThe findings are discussed at the light of the state-of-the-arts in psycho-oncology and psycho-traumatology. The specific action of arts psychotherapy is analysed.ConclusionsArts psychotherapy could become a valuable treating option within a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial approach in psycho-oncology, provided that certain precautions are taken.