Art Therapy Activities Research Articles

Effectiveness of Art Therapy and Physical Activity in Improving Quality of Sleep in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Quasi-experimental Pilot Study

Introduction: Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) is characterised by abnormalities in movement and posture, along with sensory and tone abnormalities. It also represents significant impairments in cognition and sleep quality. Art activity involves playfulness, creativity, improvisation, and brings benefits to cognition and the alleviation of mental suffering. Physical activity shows considerable improvement in sleep quality as it concentrates on cardiorespiratory fitness and increases total energy expenditure. Aim: To evaluate the effect of art therapy and physical activity on sleep quality in children with hemiplegic CP. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental pilot study was performed among six ambulant children with hemiplegic CP in December 2022 at MGM School of Physiotherapy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. Both male and female children aged between 4 to 12 years were included in the study. Pretest scores were recorded using the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). The participants then underwent a physiotherapy protocol lasting one hour, which included art therapy along with upper limb physical activities for four weeks. Art therapy included colouring pictures, drawing geometrical shapes, line-drawing connections, thumbprints, and vegetable prints. The protocol was given for one month, which included three sessions of art therapy and physical activity each week. Parents and children were encouraged to follow the protocol before sleep. At the end of one month, postscoring of all outcome measures was calculated, and statistical analysis was done using the paired t-test. Results: From the results, the median pretest and post-test PSQ scores were 0.68 and 0.49, respectively. Interquartile Range (IQR) value for the outcome measure was 0.0675 and 0.0775, which was significant. Conclusion: Art therapy, along with physical activity, improved sleep quality in children with hemiplegic CP.

Covid19 Pandemic in Romania and the Impact on the Lives of Young People

The theme and the purpose of this article is to show the significant role of empathy and solidarity during our Covid-19 Pandemic in Romania, an impact increasingly essential and visible in communities and among young people, youth workers or NGOs. Actions from the simple calls or safe meetings with youth workers, to fundraising and donations campaigns organised by young people for those less fortunate ones, proved that there is someone out there willing and ready to help. According to field research carried out so far, in a few romanian NGO-s working with young people, the main areas most affected in young people’s lives are their emotional health and social skills. Many young people were deprived of human interaction they were used to before, as most activities were transferred online. The youngsters with the fewest opportunities were the group most affected. The specific risks that they are facing are social exclusion, school dropout, health and wellbeing issues, mental health issues,and even anxiety or depression. These challenges as young people seek to negotiate and navigate various transitions are economic, social, educational, personal and, in some cases, professional. Young people and those in NGOs working in this sector have developed new coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with the new circumstances and uncertainties with the help of European funds for their projects, such as European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+ funds. Regarding the labour market, within education and in relation to learning, mobility across both formal and non-formal sectors, all activities were adapted to online or hybrid versions, eventually becoming the new normal. As one example, in an NGO that has a project called Empowering Youth Academy, young people showed resilience in the pandemic situation and did not want to give up to youth work activities, even though they had to face adversities in their families, with regards to transportation or other issues, because the youth work activities were therapeutic and motivational for them. They needed a safe space to go and be themselves. Observation of local realities in some youth NGO-s from Romania, reveal the fact that the resources young people need to better face the consequences of the pandemic are related to youth work and the need to have a youth centre as a safe space where they can find someone to listen, activities related to their needs and where they can even help those in need such as children from childcare centres through art therapy activities, boardgames, mindfulness etc. Public policies from national and European authorities that seek to ensure recovery and build back better are implemented by the national authorities, but there is a strong need for collaboration with youth workers and NGOs that know their communities deeply. Additionally, there is a need to adapt an integrated system of youth policies, youth centres and youth services after the pandemic that can also address the economic, educational, personal, professional, and mental health issues among young people due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Structuring of specialized treatment applied to people with suicidea ttemptin an academic psychiatric service in Rio de Janeiro city

IntroductionDescription of a specialized treatment program for people attempting suicide in an academic health service focused on psychiatry and drug addiction in the city of Rio de Janeiro.ObjectivesDescribe actions developed to treat suicidal behavior.MethodsBased on a survey of the prevalence of suicidal behavior in the Brazilian population over a lifetime, reaching a total of 12,000 cases per year of the Brazilian population, this academic service of psychiatry and drug addiction established the following actions for hospitalized patients: 24-hour surveillance, reduced access to methods of committing suicide (forks and knives removal, shoelaces and ropes removal), strengthening the GVV (Life Valuation Group), strengthening the Cognitive Behavior Therapy application groups, conducting group dynamics, lectures, art therapy and physical activities.Results Of 370 patients admitted to this service from January 1st, 2019 to September 1st, 2019, 137 had suicidal behavior and only 2 died.ConclusionsOf these two cases, one abandoned treatment and the other occurred during the treatment period.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Specialized Treatment applied for suicide prevention

IntroductionSuicide can be defined as a deliberate act performed by the individual, whose intention is the death, in a conscious, intentional, even if ambivalent way, using a means that he believes to be lethal. They are also part of what we usually call suicidal behavior: thoughts, plans and attempted suicide.ObjectivesPrevention is a critical step in treating suicidal behavior. Create strategies to reduce and treat the ideation, planning and suicide attempt.MethodsBased on a large increase in the number of people who present ideas, plan and attempt suicide, the Clinic created techniques for the treatment of inpatients: Life Appreciation Group, Groups applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Group Dynamics, Lectures, Art Therapy and Physical activities .ResultsThe actions are developed by a multidisciplinary team that is divided by applying the various techniques and participating in all the proposed activities.ConclusionsPatients who remained hospitalized fully complying with the suggested treatment and left with medical discharge had full benefit, unlike some cases of patients removed by the family against our indication.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Pilot data from the Self-Blame and Perspective-Taking Intervention for eating disorders.

Eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by altered eating behaviors and valuation of self-image, as well as difficulty establishing supportive social relationships. This pilot study evaluated feasibility, acceptability, and clinical responses to a novel and brief group-therapy intervention for EDs, the Self-Blame and Perspective-Taking Intervention (SBPI). The SBPI consisted of four sessions of experiential art therapy activities in conjunction with psychoeducation targeting interpersonal attributions and mentalization. Twenty-four outpatient, treatment-seeking women with EDs participated in the SBPI, with 87.5% completing the intervention and 94% rating their participation positively. ED symptoms, depression, anxiety, self-attribution bias, and self-esteem were assessed before (T1) and after participation (N = 20 at T2; N = 18 at T3). Separate repeated measures MANOVAs were performed to assess these clinical and self-concept variables. Relative to baseline, participants demonstrated significant improvements in two all self-concept measures: self-attribution bias, trait self-esteem and state self-esteem at T2. ED, depression, and anxiety symptoms were significantly decreased at both T2 (1-4 weeks post) and T3 (3-5 months post). The SBPI altered self-concept targets acutely and led to sustained clinical improvements. Future work is needed to evaluate how self-concept and social constructs are related to clinical symptom expression in EDs.

Опыт использования арт-терапевтических техник в работе с учащимися с тяжелыми множественными нарушениями развития

The article presents the experience of the psychologist of the educational-correctional department of the Regional Center for Diagnosis and Counseling in Chelyabinsk. Art therapy techniques and activities for lessons on the program “Art Therapy” for students with severe multiple developmental disorders (moderate, severe mental retardation and ASD, RDA), mastering the adapted general education program of primary school for students with autism are described.

Arteterapia como opção não medicamentosa para pacientes internados em uma unidade hospitalar

Relatar a vivência de uma atividade de arteterapia realizada com pacientes internados em uma unidade de clínica medica em um hospital de pequeno porte do interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Trata-se de um relato de experiência sobre a prática da arteterapia aplicada a pacientes adultos internados, a atividade ocorreu no período de setembro a outubro de 2019. Foram convidados a participar 18 pacientes adultos internados em uma unidade de clínica médica adulta. As vivências da Arteterapia objetivaram proporcionar bem-estar, diminuir o estresse e a ansiedade, tornando o processo de internação mais leve e humanizado, bem como, buscando elevar a autoestima e promover autoconhecimento dos pacientes internados. O processo de Arteterapia é uma intervenção de baixo custo, não farmacológica além de ter uma importante influência na mudança de hábitos, qualidade de vida dos pacientes envolvidos, pode ser associado a terapia medicamentosa melhorando a sintomatologia e patologia do paciente.

Psychosocial impacts among adolescents disengaged from Colombian illegal armed groups and challenges to their attention.

Our study focused on the impacts on health among adolescents who became members of illegal armed groups in Colombia and their attention within the specialized government programme as seen by the professionals who work directly with them. Previous research indicates that those victims of armed violence are usually highly affected on their emotional and social health, but with appropriate and timely support more serious mental health problems can be prevented. Therefore, the care provided to them should be based on broader and holistic approaches. This cross-sectional study used the qualitative method based on semi-structured interviews with 42 professionals, and internal reports on the health condition of 165 adolescents, 57 (34.5%) females and 108 (65.5%) males, as a secondary source of information. All information was anonymous and confidential. The interviews with professionals and their reports demonstrated that about a half of the 165 adolescents, 35 of 57 (61.4%) females and 48 of 108 (44.4%) males, suffered from serious symptoms requiring therapeutic and psychiatric attention. About 20% of the adolescents presented clinically important post-traumatic stress symptoms, 27% admitted sexual abuse and 29% psychoactive substance abuse. The professionals stressed various obstacles to the attention of these multiple impacts related both to the administrative and institutional issues and the particular characteristics of this population. Our findings show the complexity of the psychosocial impacts among adolescent victims of the Colombian armed conflict and their attention. Highly trained professionals and alternative strategies including active listening, observation and art therapy activities seem to be vital for an effective care. The lessons learned from the Colombian reintegration programme serve as important inputs to be considered when attending children and adolescents from conflict-stricken areas also in other contexts.

PKM Kelompok Remaja SMPN 163 Jakarta dan UPBK Unindra: Penggunaan Art Therapy Sebagai Media Ekspresi Emosi

Emotions are very supportive in the life of every individual, whether they are positive emotions or negative emotions. The importance of individuals managing emotions in life because someone who is emotionally capable will be able to know and handle their own feelings well, the ability to manage emotions is communicated precisely one of them through art therapy. This activity provides (WPKNS) insights, knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes possessed by BK SMPN 163 Jakarta teachers and UNINDRA UPBK Students in providing useful services to clients. The activities carried out by lecturing, question and answer, discussion and practice of using art therapy. The results of the evaluation of activities that have been carried out revealed that art therapy activities are successful and provide benefits to individuals in directing and managing emotions positively. This can be seen from the enthusiasm and participation of participants during art therapy activities.

« Melting-PainTherapy » à l’unité pour malades difficiles de Cadillac : le patient est un artiste !

In Melting-PainTherapy workshop, we offer an innovative art therapy activity set in the unit for difficult patients in Cadillac, Gironde, France. Our hospital hosts patients with mental issues that let them, or may lead them, to commit one or more dangerous acts. Organized by nurses with a strong and highly developed artistic sensitivity, it is aimed towards patients who voluntarily participate, once, or more, or on a regular basis to our art project, while working alone with a nurse. In this workshop, the patient is an artist. He gets to create, express himself, realize and manage his possibilities, limitations, frustrations, constraints and relationship to himself and others. The Melting-PainTherapy concept revolves around the elaboration of collective art pieces meant to advance the individuals on rotative canvases.

Harnessing the Four Elements for Mental Health.

Humans are intimately connected to nature, and our physical and mental health is influenced strongly by our environment. The “elements,” classically described in humoral theory as Fire, Water, Earth, and Air, all may impact our mental health. In a contemporary sense, these elements reflect a range of modifiable factors: UV light or heat therapy (Fire); sauna, hydrotherapy, and balneotherapy (Water); nature-based exposure therapy and horticulture (Earth); oxygen-rich/clean air exposure; and breathing techniques (Air). This theoretical scoping review paper details the emerging evidence for a range of these elements, covering epidemiological and interventional data, and provides information on how we can engage in “biophilic” activities to harness their potential benefits. Interventional examples with emerging evidentiary support include “forest-bathing,” heat therapy, sauna, light therapy, “greenspace” and “bluespace” exercise, horticulture, clay art therapy activities, and pranayamic yoga breathing exercises. Further robust research is however required to firmly validate many of these interventions, and to establish their therapeutic applications for the benefit of specific mental health disorders.

Między twórczością, edukacją a wychowaniem. Miejsce relaksacji w praktyce pedagogicznej

Szybkie tempo życia oraz zmierzenie się z aktualnym dylematem społecznym „mieć czy być” generują sytuacje stresowe u młodych ludzi, od których oczekuje się sprostania wymaganiom i oczekiwaniom współczesności. Autorki w obliczu tych wyzwań poddają refleksji miejsce oraz znaczenie efektywnego odprężania się w procesie edukacji i wychowania. Zaprezentowany przekrój terminologiczno-koncepcyjny został zbudowany w oparciu o analizę dostępnej literatury naukowej, dydaktycznej oraz popularnonaukowej. Dla wzbogacenia przedstawianych treści poczyniono rozpoznanie wśród nauczycieli, wychowawców oraz praktykujących studentów pedagogiki. Celem poniższych rozważań jest symboliczne „zaproszenie do dyskusji” na temat roli oraz wartości relaksacji w przestrzeni edukacyjno-wychowawczej. Autorki dokonują próby scharakteryzowania podstawowych metod relaksacyjnych, ukazując je na tle innych, bardziej popularnych w dyskursie nauki i praktyki, aktywności arteterapeutycznych. Ostatecznie prezentują szkic własnej propozycji metodycznej jako przykład elastycznego oraz twórczego wykorzystania zastanych technik.

Positive effects of art therapy on depression and self-esteem of older adults in nursing homes

ABSTRACTDepression and self‐esteem affects the health and quality of life of older adults who live in nursing homes. This study tested the effectiveness of art therapy activities on reducing the depression and improving the self-esteem of elderly living in long‐term care institutes. This was a quasi‐experimental study. A purposive sampling strategy was used to select 55 subjects who were aged 65 and above with intact mental functions and depression tendencies and currently residing in nursing homes in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 29 subjects who participated in a selection of 12 artistic activities were assigned to the experimental group and 26 subjects who adhered to their ordinary activities were allocated to the control group. Structured questionnaires of the artistic group were used for data collection. The art therapy programs showed promising effects in improving the depression and self‐esteem of older adults living in nursing homes. Art therapy activities benefit the mental health of older adults. Incorporating artistic activities into social work care may help develop long‐term care into a more diverse, unique, and innovative direction.

Art therapy for the prevention of cognitive decline

In recent years, non-pharmacological approaches have been introduced for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in an attempt to address cognitive decline and improve cognitive functioning. Art therapy is a widely accepted psychosocial treatment known to engage attention and enhance cognition, and improve mood for persons with dementia. However, research assessing the benefits of art therapy in the MCI population is limited. This study used structured art therapy that was introduced as a 9-month randomized control trial of older adults with MCI (N = 68). The trial involved three arms, art therapy (N = 22), music reminiscence activity (N = 24) and a control group (no treatment; N = 22). Both art therapy and music reminiscence activity were conducted weekly for 3 months and then fortnightly for 6 months. Art therapy comprised of two structured components, physical creation of art pieces and the cognitive evaluation of paintings. The primary outcome, cognitive performance on neuropsychological tests, showed significant improvement in memory domains which were sustained at 9 months with art therapy. Additional improvements were noted in visuospatial abilities, attention, working memory, and executive function.

Preventing mental health risks in volunteers in disaster contexts: The case of the Villarrica Volcano eruption, Chile

Chile is a country that is constantly affected by natural disasters. In this article we present the results of a qualitative follow-up study with members of the Chilean Red Cross, who led the evacuation of the Pucón area after the Villarrica volcano eruption in 2015. The objectives were: to examine the experience of these volunteers throughout the evacuation; to describe their experience during a psychosocial intervention with art therapy called "Emotional Containment with Emergency Volunteers" to help them release their emotional exhaustion, and to determine the relevance of implementing psychosocial interventions with art therapy during the disaster response stage. First, we describe this art therapy intervention. Second, we present the study that included in-depth group interviews and a workshop called "Reflection on the intervention experiences after the eruption of the Villarrica volcano”, which uses art therapy techniques. The findings showed the importance of implementing psychosocial interventions with volunteers, both during the emergency and after the disaster. In this sense, the art therapy activities used allowed participants to identify and become aware of their physical and emotional levels of personal exhaustion. They also realized the importance of self-care and to take care of the other volunteers on the team. Another finding that is an emerging issue in the humanitarian organizations' work is the potential impact and stress level in volunteers during and after the response phases. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the responsibility of the organizations towards their volunteers for providing rest time, support and spaces for their emotional expression.

Art therapy is associated with sustained improvement in cognitive function in the elderly with mild neurocognitive disorder: findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial for art therapy and music reminiscence activity versus usual care

BackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a phase in cognitive decline when it is still possible to intervene to reverse the decline. Cognitive stimulation delivered through psychosocial interventions provides both psychological intervention and social stimulation to improve cognition. A pilot open-label parallel-arms randomized controlled trial was undertaken to examine the effects of art therapy (AT) and music reminiscence activity (MRA) compared to the control, on the primary outcome of neurocognitive domain assessments in elderly people with MCI.MethodsCommunity-living elderly people with MCI (Petersen’s criteria), assessed for study eligibility, were randomized using a web-based system with equal allocation to two intervention arms: AT (guided viewing of art pieces and production of visual arts) and MRA (listening, and recalling memories related to music) and a control arm (standard care without any intervention). Interventions were led by trained therapists weekly for 3 months, then fortnightly for 6 months. Neurocognitive domains (mean of memory, attention, and visuo-spatial abilities standardized scores), psychological wellbeing (subsyndromal depression and anxiety) and telomere length as a biological marker of cellular ageing, were assessed by intervention-blinded assessors at baseline, 3 months and 9 months.ResultsIn total, 250 people were screened and 68 were randomized and included in the analysis. In the AT arm, neurocognitive domains improved compared to the control arm at 3 months (mean difference (d) = 0.40; 90% CI 0.126, 0.679) and were sustained at 9 months (d = 0.31; 90% CI 0.068, 0.548). There was some improvement in depression and anxiety at 3 and 9 months and in telomere length at 9 months, but this was not significant. Similar improvements were observed in the MRA arm over the control arm, but they were not significant. There were no intervention-related adverse effects.ConclusionsArt therapy delivered by trained staff as “art as therapy” and “art psychotherapy” may have been the significant contributor to cognitive improvements. The findings support cognitive stimulation for elderly people with cognitive decline and signal the need for larger studies and further investigation of carefully designed psycho-social interventions for this group.Trial registrationClinical Trials.gov, NCT02854085. Registered on 7 July 2016.

Innovative Art Therapy Activities Used by Undergraduate Student Nurses with Mental Health Patients

The purpose of this paper is to describe specific art therapy activities that student nurses may use as intentional communication tools when interacting with mental health patients in the clinical setting. The suggested art therapy activities in this paper reflect a review of the evidence as well as over 30 years of nursing faculty field experience in the mental health clinical setting. Student nurses can use basic coloring or drawing activities to enhance communication with mental health patients. For purposes of this discussion, art therapy is defined as the usage of crayons, coloring, paper, and drawing.

Where It’s Cool to be Kitty: An Art Therapy Group for Young People with Mental Health Issues Using Origami and Mindfulness

ABSTRACTThis article describes an innovative art therapy group intervention for adolescent girls age 14 to 16 with mental health problems. The group takes place in a community mental health clinic and uses origami and mindfulness to provide a safe, therapeutic space. Participant feedback reveals positive outcomes, demonstrating helpful changes to mood and feelings after group participation. Results suggest origami to be a useful art therapy activity with this population.

Art therapy and music reminiscence activity in the prevention of cognitive decline: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAttention has shifted to the use of non-pharmacological interventions to prevent cognitive decline as a preventive strategy, as well as for those at risk and those with mild cognitive impairment. Early introduction of psycho-social interventions can address cognitive decline and significantly impact quality of life and the wellbeing of elderly individuals. This pilot study explores the feasibility of using art therapy and music reminiscence activity to improve the cognition of community living elderly with mild cognitive impairment.Methods/DesignThis open-label, interventional study involves a parallel randomized controlled trial design with three arms (two intervention arms and a control group) over a nine-month period. Participants will be community-living elderly individuals aged 60–85 years, both genders, who meet predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. In the initial three months, interventions will be provided weekly and for the remaining six months fortnightly. A sample size of 90 participants is targeted based on expected neuropsychological test performance, a primary outcome measure, and drop-out rates. The randomization procedure will be carried out via a web-based randomization system. Interventions will be provided by trained staff with a control group not receiving any intervention but continuing life as usual. Assessments will be done at baseline, three months, and nine months, and include neuroimaging to measure cerebral changes and neuropsychological tests to measure for changes in cognition. Secondary outcome measures will include mood changes in anxiety and depression and telomere lengths. Statistical analysis will be undertaken by statisticians; all efficacy analysis will be carried out on an intention-to-treat basis. Primary and secondary outcomes will be modeled using the linear mixed model for repeated measurements and further analysis may be undertaken to adjust for potential confounders.DiscussionThis will be the first study to compare the effectiveness of art therapy and music reminiscence activity in a randomized controlled trial. We expect that the trial will provide useful evidence for developing psychosocial interventions for the elderly with mild cognitive impairment.Trial registrationThe study was registered on 7 July 2016 at Clinical Trials.gov, a service of the US National Institute of Health (NCT02854085), retrospectively.

Impact of marbling art therapy activities on the anxiety levels of psychiatric patients

Purpose: Study was conducted to explore the impact of marbling art therapy on the anxiety levels of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.Methods: Data for the study were at a university hospital and in the psychiatric service,polyclinic of a State Hospital with 34 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 34 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Investigations were carried out with study groups and a control group.Findings:Following marbling, it was found that there were significant decreases in the PANSS negative, in the positive, general psychopathology in terms of the scores of the group of schizophrenia patients and in the BAI scores of patients with bipolar disorder.There was no significant difference in the BAI scores of the control group.Clinical relevance:The study showed that the method of marbling therapy led to improvements in the negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenic patients and in both patient groups, it contributed to decreasing levels of anxiety.