Art Therapy Research Articles

Benefits of Art therapy in Prison Population with a Diagnosis of Mental Illnes: A Systematic Review.

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that was introduced in psychiatric hospitals, where psychiatric patients used painting as a way to express themselves. Nowadays, it is used in prison and has positive effects such as stress and anxiety reduction, and decrease in rates of recidivism. The main aim of this study was to analyze the effects of art therapy programs among the prison population with a diagnosis of mental illness. A systematic review was performed and a total of 12 studies were included. Positive results and beneficial effects were observed for this population; the most prominent is the decrease in the rate of recidivism. Art therapy is a form of therapy that is effective for improving socialization and decreasing anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with mental illnesses. It has been proved to decrease recidivism rates in inmates who participate in these programs.

Feasibility Study on Art Therapy Methods for Sleep Disorder Groups Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology

With the rapid development of modern society and the accelerated pace of life, sleep disorders have become a significant issue affecting peoples quality of life. Numerous studies indicate that art therapy, as a non-pharmacological treatment, can externalize the subconscious through creative activities, raising it to a conscious level, thus improving the psychological state and sleep quality of individuals with sleep disorders. However, traditional art therapy methods still face certain limitations, often failing to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. The fast-growing field of artificial intelligence (AI), with advances in intelligent algorithms and big data analytics, offers new possibilities for the evolution of art therapy, potentially enhancing its effectiveness. This paper aims to explore the feasibility of integrating AI technology into art therapy for individuals with sleep disorders. By examining applications in mandala painting, intelligent wearable devices, and dream visualization, this study proposes innovative therapeutic approaches that combine traditional art therapy with modern AI technology to provide more efficient and personalized therapeutic solutions for those suffering from sleep disorders.

Insights From Art Therapists on Using AI-Generated Art in Art Therapy: Mixed Methods Study.

With the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of daily life, there is a growing interest among designers and practitioners in incorporating AI into their fields. In health care domains like art therapy, AI is also becoming a subject of exploration. However, the use of AI in art therapy is still undergoing investigation, with its benefits and challenges being actively explored. This study aims to investigate the integration of AI into art therapy practices to comprehend its potential impact on therapeutic processes and outcomes. Specifically, the focus is on understanding the perspectives of art therapists regarding the use of AI-assisted tools in their practice with clients, as demonstrated through the presentation of our prototype consisting of a deck of cards with words covering various categories alongside an AI-generated image. Using a co-design approach, 10 art therapists affiliated with the American Art Therapy Association participated in this study. They engaged in individual interviews where they discussed their professional perspectives on integrating AI into their therapeutic approaches and evaluating the prototype. Qualitative analysis was conducted to derive themes and insights from these sessions. The study began in August 2023, with data collection involving 10 participants taking place in October 2023. Our qualitative findings provide a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of AI on facilitating therapeutic processes. The combination of a deck of cards and the use of an AI-generated tool demonstrated an enhancement in the quality and accessibility of therapy sessions. However, challenges such as credibility and privacy concerns were also identified. The integration of AI into art therapy presents promising avenues for innovation and progress within the field. By gaining insights into the perspectives and experiences of art therapists, this study contributes knowledge for both practical application and further research.

Art therapy and brain injury: making the invisible visible

The multiple cognitive, somatic, and behavioral changes following head injuries can result in expressive language difficulties that may not be resolved quickly. This paper explores the traumatic brain injury and post-concussive syndrome artwork created by an art therapist and the child of an art therapist, making the invisible neurological consequences of head injuries visible. Our first-person and caregiver perspectives offer examples of visual arts-based communication between patients, health professionals, and family members. Utilizing client imagery as a form of communication may improve patient outcomes through the identification and resultant treatment of overlooked and underdiagnosed symptoms. Experiences such as confusion, fear, localized pain, and mood lability stem not only from the injury itself, but from the experience of damaged microstructures that are often undetectable in standard diagnostic testing. Additionally, symptoms such as temperature and appetite dysregulation, vestibular and proprioceptive disruptions, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders evade standard diagnostic inventories. This may prompt the patient to question the reality of their somatic and cognitive experiences. Research supports the position of the authors: these experiences can be communicated through client imagery, expediting healing and improving overall health. In the spontaneously created art traversing child and adult stages of development, we discovered multiple prevalent themes within the imagery too numerous to ignore. Practice recommendations will be discussed for both art therapists and interprofessional healthcare collaborators concerning the use of imagery and visual expression when working with those who have sustained traumatic brain injuries.

The Interplay Between Neuroscience and Creative Expression

This review investigates the relationship between neuroscience and creative expression, examining how neural processes influence creativity across various art forms. It examiness the brain’s intricate networks and regions involved in creativity, including the prefrontal cortex and default mode network, and their role in divergent thinking. The study also investigates the therapeutic impact of creative activities on brain function and mental health, such as neurogenesis and improved emotional resilience through art therapy. Future research directions highlight the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to further examine the neural correlates of creativity and its broader implications for cognitive and emotional health. Keywords: Neuroscience, creativity, brain function, art therapy, creative expression, neurogenesis.

The Role of Folk Art in Community Health Practices

This paper examines the often overlooked intersection between folk art and community health practices, emphasizing the transformative potential of folk art in fostering psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. By examining the historical and contemporary relevance of folk art as a medium for community healing, the paper discusses how cultural expressions of identity, resistance, and reintegration serve as natural therapeutic outlets. Case studies from arts-based health initiatives demonstrate the role of folk art in addressing social determinants of health, enhancing community resilience, and promoting holistic health. The review further proposes practical applications for integrating folk art into community health programs, emphasizing the need for culturally grounded, participatory, and sustainable approaches to health promotion. Keywords: Folk Art, Community Health, Cultural Healing, Emotional Resilience, Art Therapy, Social Determinants of Health.

내적 심상의 은유적 풍경 작업을 통한 감정 소통 경험에 대한 자전적 내러티브 탐구

This study analyzes the experience and meaning of emotional communication through metaphorical landscape work as an expression of inner images through autobiographical narrative inquiry. I’m PhD candidate in art therapy, and majored in painting at university and graduate school. The subject of my work was a landscape of human inner and emotions, which was named 'a metaphorical landscape', and was described and organized in detail through a master's thesis. In my master's thesis, which I looked into at after completing my doctoral course and preparing to work in parallel with art therapy again, I came to recognize the change in perspective and position of an artist dealing with emotions. In order to reveal the experience of metaphorical landscape work and grasp its meaning, three themes were derived: 'artist who brings out emotions', 'artist standing side by side with emotions', and 'artist who crosses emotions'. By analyzing the experience of metaphorical expression of self-image through art, this study attempted to raise fundamental questions about the expressiveness of art and its function as a place of empathy and communication.

우울을 경험하는 시각예술인의 심리적 안녕감을 위한 미술치료 질적 사례 연구

This study explores the experience of art therapy for the psychological well-being of a visual artist experiencing depression. Participant of this study is a 37-years-old visual artist experiencing depression. Total 8 sessions of 60 minutes art therapy was conducted from July 15, 2024 to September 2, 2024. All sessions were recorded, artworks were photographed, and a in-depth interviews were conducted. From data analysis, 5 major themes and 13 sub-themes were identified, leading to the following conclusions. First, the participant explored her inner self by immersing herself in art in a different way as an artist. Second, the participant reconnected with her identity as an artist discovering the meaning of her visual language. Third, the participant integrated her identity as an artist and found meaning in life from a flexible perspective. The significant of this study lies in its detailed presentation of the process through which a visual artist experiencing depression recovers psychological well-being through art therapy.

Forcibly displaced adults' perspectives on change mechanisms after a resilience-building art therapy intervention

Preventive interventions aimed at learning to cope with psychological stressors and building resilience could benefit most forcibly displaced persons (FDP). Limited research has been conducted to examine the usefulness of resilience-building art therapy for FDP. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the perspective of adult FDP on the process of change after a resilience-building art therapy intervention, i.e. to (a) identify the positive changes they experience, (b) the associated therapeutic factors, and (c) the mechanisms they believe to be responsible for these changes. An exploratory qualitive study using thematic analysis with descriptive quantitative data was conducted with 11 adult FDP who received an eight-session resilience-building group art therapy intervention. The participants identified three positive changes: (i) felt calmer, (ii) strengthened emotional skills and (iii) reinforced self. The results also highlight multiple therapeutic factors and some combinations of these, which could be possible change mechanisms. The authors suggest replicating the research to confirm and complete the results.

The Impact of Historical Art Movements on Medicine

Art and medicine have long influenced one another, with historical art movements shaping not only aesthetic trends but also conceptions of health, disease, and human anatomy. This paper examines the intertwined evolution of art and medicine across pivotal historical periods, highlighting the Renaissance’s focus on anatomical accuracy, Romanticism’s emotional engagement with the human condition, and Modernism’s reflection of trauma from warfare and disease. The analysis considers how visual representations, from anatomical sketches to symbolic portrayals of illness, have impacted public health perceptions and medical education. Additionally, the study examines the therapeutic uses of art in contemporary settings, underscoring the psychological benefits of art therapy in clinical care. By tracing these influences, this paper sheds light on art’s role in shaping healthcare practices, patient experience, and medical ethics, while advocating for continued interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance medical humanities and patient-centered care. Keywords: Art and Medicine, Historical Art Movements, Renaissance Anatomy, Modernism and Trauma, Art Therapy.

Colour preferences and self-acceptance – case studies based on the art therapy workshop

„Of all the judgements you make, none is as important as your own opinion about yourself ”– this sentence served as the starting point for the workshop “Me – my portrait. How do you see yourself?” carried out as part of the art therapy elective course in the third year of medical studies at the University of Rzeszów (Poland). The article presents an analysis of the results obtained in the workshop on emotional and expressional creativity, i.e. verbal relations and colourful stories about oneself. Colours are a means of expression and symbolic representation in the visual arts. On the basis of colour preferences, a diagnosis of specific psychological states with regard to the participants’ self-acceptance was made.

Art Brut and Mental Aberrations

This review discusses the concept of the Art Brut and its origin, as proposed by Dubuffet, along with its unique development in Japan. In Japan, Art Brut has evolved in distinctive ways, particularly in psychiatry. Notably, Art Brut is not synonymous with art created by individuals with mental disorders. Instead, it refers to raw, creative art uninfluenced by existing cultural norms and conventions. Art Brut works often have a psychiatric background, but this is not a defining feature. This review highlights the work of Yuzo Saeki, a prominent Japanese artist associated with Art Brut, and draws comparisons with Jean Fautrier. Finally, this review examines the creativity and originality of individuals with mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia, from a neuroscientific perspective. It explores genetic factors, brain function alterations, and the interaction between mental illness and creativity in the context of Art Brut. Art Brut offers a deeply moving artistic experience from a psychiatric perspective, and art therapy may play a significant role in the treatment and welfare of individuals with mental disorders. Significant aspects of this field remain unexplored, and further research and development are highly anticipated.

선택적 함구증 아동의 자기표현 향상을 위한 인간중심 미술치료 단일 사례연구

The expression of children with selective mutism extends beyond the personal dimension, causing emotional and psychological difficulties in school and social situations. Alleviating anxiety in these children is important, as it is closely related to self-expression. Based on this, our study aimed to create a human-centered art therapy program to encourage spontaneity and explore the process of self-expression through creative activities in children with selective mutism. For this purpose, we conducted a 16-session program, once a week for 60 minutes, targeting children with selective mutism. The results showed positive changes in self-expression through pre- and post-assessments and qualitative analysis. In conclusion, providing a safe environment and supportive atmosphere allowed these children to alleviate tension and anxiety, enabling them to engage in profound exploration. The art-making process facilitated external expression of inner anxiety, leading to self-discovery and self-assurance.

Exploring the Impact of Art-Based Interventions on the Mental Health of Domestic Violence Survivors: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis (2000-2023)

Arts-based interventions are gaining recognition for their significant impact on mental health, particularly for domestic violence survivors. This bibliometric analysis (2000-2023) reviews 70 studies, with 16 from Web of Science (WoS) and 54 from Scopus, to assess the effects of arts interventions on this population. Utilizing RStudio 4.2.1 and biblioshiny in bibliometrix, we identified a steady increase in Scopus publications and minor fluctuations in WoS. "Art therapy" was the most common keyword, with the International Journal of Art Therapy and Art in Psychotherapy receiving substantial attention. J. Bird emerged as the most influential author in Scopus, while WoS showed no prominent authors with all authors having a relevance score of 1. The United States led in research output, driving advancements in the field. The growing number of publications highlights the importance of arts interventions. Future research should integrate art-based interventions with other therapies, conduct rigorous empirical studies with long-term follow-ups, and develop culturally adaptive approaches to enhance their global applicability and effectiveness for domestic violence survivors.

Editor’s Introduction: Arts and Community Engagement: Intersect Music, Dance and Drama in Arts Education, Arts Therapy, and Arts Practice with Community Engagement Projects

Editor’s Introduction: Arts and Community Engagement: Intersect Music, Dance and Drama in Arts Education, Arts Therapy, and Arts Practice with Community Engagement Projects

Network pharmacology and molecular docking study on the potential mechanism of Tongqiao–Biyan granule in treatment of allergic rhinitis

AbstractPurposeAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a pervasive global health problem, imposing a major economic burden and causing disability worldwide. Tongqiao–Biyan granule (TBG) has gained popularity in China for the treatment of AR. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying TBG's efficacy in treating AR.MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine pharmacological database was utilized to identify the main ingredients in TBG and their corresponding target genes. AR‐related target genes were identified using the GeneCards, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. The Gene Ontology (GO) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and target protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were employed to analyze the molecular mechanisms. The top five hub genes were selected for molecular docking with the top five ranked compounds to confirm their interaction in TBG when used in the treatment of AR.ResultsA total of 7 active ingredients from TBG, 784 predicted targets of TBG, and 945 AR targets were obtained. Analysis via the GO and KEGG databases revealed that TBG can act on AR by modulating inflammatory responses and promoting cell migration. PPI network analysis and molecular docking results suggested that phellopterin, quercetin, luteolin, denudatin B, and cleomiscosin A in TBG may alleviate the AR symptoms by interacting with key proteins such as TNF, AKT1, STAT3, VEGFA, and EGFR.ConclusionsTBG modulates numerous targets across diverse signaling pathways in the AR therapy. Our results furnish a theoretical foundation for further exploring TBG's pharmacological mechanism in AR treatment.

Decoupage as an art therapy technique in human functioning in late adulthood.

The article presents research on the use of decoupage as an art therapy technique among the residents of a social welfare home. The technique used here is described along with its location in the history of art therapy. The author establishes the definition, goals and functions that this field of therapy fulfills in human life, with particular focus on the impact in late adulthood. The research was conducted in the Nursing Home in Gniezno on the basis of an interview questionnaire and a survey conducted among seniors living in the Social Welfare Home. The research was preceded by conducting classes using the decoupage technique.

Exploring Community Art Projects for Mental Health Awareness

Community art projects have gained prominence as innovative tools for promoting mental health awareness. These projects offer participants an opportunity to express their personal experiences with mental health through creative mediums such as visual arts, music, and performance. This paper examines how community art initiatives foster emotional well-being, reduce stigma, and build social cohesion. By involving people with lived experiences of mental illness at various stages of the creative process, these projects not only provide therapeutic benefits but also empower participants. Through case studies of successful initiatives, such as viva albert in new zealand, this study highlights best practices for designing inclusive, impactful, and ethical community art projects that elevate public discussions on mental health. Keywords: community art, mental health awareness, art therapy, social cohesion, stigma reduction.

Exploring the use of Traditional Art Forms in Healing

This paper investigates the significant role of traditional art forms such as music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts in healing practices across different cultures. By analyzing the historical and contemporary integration of these art forms in therapeutic contexts, it highlights how traditional arts foster emotional expression, spiritual connection, and psychological well-being. The paper examines case studies of their use among Indigenous populations and explores the psychological benefits of art-making as a coping mechanism in trauma recovery. Additionally, it discusses the challenges of incorporating traditional art into modern biomedical healing practices, including cultural ownership, authenticity, and the risks of commercialization. The study argues that traditional art forms, when adapted respectfully and thoughtfully, can complement modern healthcare by addressing emotional and spiritual dimensions of healing. Keywords: Traditional art, healing, art therapy, cultural practices, Indigenous healing, storytelling.

Progress of systematic psychological interventions in elderly patients with femoral fractures: A comprehensive review

This review aims to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological state of elderly patients with femoral fractures and provide more theoretical and practical support for clinical treatment and care. Through a literature analysis, we found that elderly patients with femoral fractures face various psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and social isolation. The application of systematic nursing interventions in clinical practice, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, family therapy, art therapy, interpersonal therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and relaxation training, has yielded significant results. Systematic psychological interventions can improve the psychological state and quality of life of elderly patients with femoral fractures. Therefore, promoting the application and practice of systematic psychological interventions in the clinical care of elderly patients with fractures will provide more effective psychological services to a wider group of patients with fractures in the future.