Art Therapy Intervention Research Articles

The effect of active visual art therapy on health outcomes: protocol of a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

BackgroundArt therapy is a form of complementary therapy to treat a wide variety of health problems. Existing studies examining the effects of art therapy differ substantially regarding content and setting of the intervention, as well as their included populations, outcomes, and methodology. The aim of this review is to evaluate the overall effectiveness of active visual art therapy, used across different treatment indications and settings, on various patient outcomes.MethodsWe will include randomised controlled studies with an active art therapy intervention, defined as any form of creative expression involving a medium (such as paint etc.) to be actively applied or shaped by the patient in an artistic or expressive form, compared to any type of control. Any treatment indication and patient group will be included. A systematic literature search of the Cochrane Library, EMBASE (via Ovid), MEDLINE (via Ovid), CINAHL, ERIC, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, and PSYNDEX (all via EBSCOHost), ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) will be conducted. Psychological, cognitive, somatic and economic outcomes will be used. Based on the number, quality and outcome heterogeneity of the selected studies, a meta-analysis might be conducted, or the data synthesis will be performed narratively only. Heterogeneity will be assessed by calculating the p-value for the chi2 test and the I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions are planned.DiscussionThis systematic review will provide a concise overview of current knowledge of the effectiveness of art therapy. Results have the potential to (1) inform existing treatment guidelines and clinical practice decisions, (2) provide insights to the therapy’s mechanism of change, and (3) generate hypothesis that can serve as a starting point for future randomised controlled studies.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO ID CRD42021233272

Art Therapy in Burn Cases: A Review and Case Examples.

In this article, we provide an overview of the literature on contributions of art making and medical art therapy for patients with burn injuries. The potential value of art therapy in addressing the complex physical and psychosocial needs of burn patients is discussed through examination of 7 peer-reviewed articles. Two case examples of burn survivors, 1 pediatric and 1 adult, are included to demonstrate the use of art therapy in an inpatient and outpatient setting, respectively. Art therapy and other intervention strategies for overall psychosocial adjustment of burn patients are often underutilized. Further research in art therapy is needed to examine the psychosocial aspects of burns patients and the potential role that medical art therapy may have in a burn care center.

Expressive Arts Therapy Combined with Progressive Muscle Relaxation following Music for Perioperative Patients with Gynecological Malignancies: A Pilot Study.

Objective We aimed to assess the impact of an expressive arts therapy combined with progressive muscle relaxation following music on mental health (anxiety and hope) in patients with gynecological malignancies undergoing surgery. Methods This was a nonrandomized controlled trial. Eligible patients had a primary or recurrent gynecological malignancy scheduled to be treated with surgery. The intervention consisted of three sessions (preoperation, postoperation, and predischarge) during the perioperative period. Firstly, before starting the first session of intervention, all patients completed three questionnaires including a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a Herth Hope Index (HHI), and a State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), and the intervention group patients also had to complete the SAI questionnaire again after completing the intervention. Secondly, after the second session of intervention, all patients completed the SAI questionnaire, with the intervention group completed the SAI questionnaire before the intervention. Thirdly, after the third session of intervention, all patients completed HHI and SAI questionnaires, with the intervention group completed the SAI questionnaire before the intervention. Also, to subjectively rate the benefit of expressive arts therapy, the intervention group additionally completed a separate, supplemental questionnaire. Results A total of 116 patients were enrolled and 110 included in the final analysis. No group differences were found for HHI scores between the intervention and control participants (Cohen's d = 0.19, P=0.31), although there was a substantial improvement in intervention participants' HHI scores compared to the standard care control participants. There was a statistically significant improvement in intervention participants' SAI from preintervention to postintervention of preoperation (Cohen's d = −0.23, P=0.002) and postoperation (Cohen's d = −0.34, P ≤ 0.001). However, no differences were observed for the predischarge period (Cohen's d = −0.09, P=0.118). Besides, a supplemental questionnaire indicated that 52 (98%) patients felt that expressive arts therapy was beneficial. Conclusions Expressive art therapy combined with progressive muscle relaxation under music may be of some effect on alleviating perioperative anxiety in patients with gynecologic malignancies. Therefore, further relevant studies with large samples and multicenters are urgently needed to provide a reliable evidence-based basis for perioperative psychological care of patients with gynecologic malignancies and to promote rapid recovery of patients. It is recommended that further art therapy studies to examine the impact of patient-tailored arts therapy interventions on spiritual well-being in patients with gynecological malignancies, especially in the perioperative period.

The effectiveness of art therapy to reduce academic stress among students during online learning

Many changes have occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and also be seen in the sphere of education, as learning methods are being transitioned from offline to online learning. These changes cause academic stress among students. Academic stress results in a drop in student learning motivation, and failure to complete lecture assignments on time. The researcher used this phenomena to conduct a one-design group experimental investigation on five academically challenged teenagers. Art therapy was utilized as the intervention, with an academic stress scale tool used to measure its effectiveness. During COVID-19, data collection and intervention operations are carried out directly through the use of health protocols. The Student-t Test is used to analyze the data with the help of Jeffreys' Amazing Statistics Program software. According to the findings of the study, an art therapy intervention was beneficial in reducing student academic stress in online learning.

The Effect of Calligraphy as an Art Therapy Intervention Containing Religious Motifs, on the Anxiety and Depression in Adolescent Psychiatric Patients.

This research was conducted to determine the effect of calligraphy on the anxiety and depression levels of adolescent psychiatric patients. It was conducted with adolescent psychiatric patients ages 14-17 in Turkey's Eastern Anatolia Region. They were allocated a calligraphy (n = 40) or a wait-list (n = 39) group. Those in the calligraphy group participated in 60-min calligraphy sessions for three weeks. The state anxiety levels of adolescents who applied calligraphy decreased gradually when compared with adolescents in the control group. The difference between the third-week mean post-test state anxiety scores of the adolescents in the calligraphy and control groups was significant (t = 2.34, p = .02). The trait anxiety scale and depression scale mean post-test scores of the adolescents in the calligraphy group were lower than in the control group. The difference between two groups was significant. Calligraphy can be potentially used as a beneficial method for reducing anxiety and depression.

A Review of Art Therapy Interventions for Children with Special Needs

Special children; Art therapy; Intervention study

Creative arts therapy in the United States school system: An integrative systematic review of empirically evaluated interventions from the past decade

AbstractRecently there has been an expansion of the literature on creative arts therapy (CAT) interventions in the United States (U.S.) school system. However, findings across studies in the field have yet to be systematically investigated on a national level. The present review is an integrative systematic review of empirically evaluated CAT intervention studies in U.S. schools from the past decade. This synthesis seeks to advance CATs in schools' evidence base and increase research and practice throughout the U.S. Three online databases were searched alongside a manual review of relevant journals. Inclusion criteria required studies to feature a CAT modality, implementation in a U.S. K‐12 school during the school day, and an empirical methodology. The systematic search yielded a total qualifying sample of six studies. General findings indicated that across studies, targeted improvement in psychosocial and behavioral domains was achieved, suggesting that CATs hold major promise due to their ecological responsiveness and versatility. Although the current scope of empirically evaluated CAT interventions in U.S. schools is minimal, findings suggest encouraging avenues for formulating a useful research trajectory and advancing practice. Further research recommendations for the promotion of CATs in schools are provided and situated within the school mental health literature.

Proposed Study on the Art Therapy as a Means of Communication between Foster Parents and Children

This paper discusses the need to address issues within the foster care system, specific needs of foster children, the mechanisms of change of art, and proposes an intervention to facilitate a bond focused on communication, empathy, and trust between a foster parent and child. Needs of foster children are generally discussed, narrowing down to the importance of a beneficial relationship between a foster child and parent. This is shown to consist of trust and more specifically communication and empathy from the literature review. The mechanisms of change of art are then related to these needs to propose art therapy as the appropriate intervention. The different ways that art therapy can help with forming a bond and creating a sense of mutual understanding is discussed. After a thorough literature review and an interview with nine doctoral students, a 10-week art therapy intervention is proposed in detail in order to facilitate a bond between foster families with session goals and art directives.

Using neuroscience to explore creative media in art therapy: a systematic narrative review

ABSTRACT Background Few studies have investigated brain responses to different art media. Investigations into brain processes during art making have highlighted important structures. Neuroimaging tools have been used to investigate activation of brain areas whilst artmaking, but not in a therapeutic setting. This review highlights recent advancements in this area and encourages researchers to be the first to apply this in the UK. Aim To understand how the principles of neuroscience are currently informing the literature to explain the effects of art media in art therapy practice. Methods Review of published peer-reviewed research between years 2000 and 2020 on neuroscience and art therapy. Results Findings were summarised into categories discussing psychological/neurobiological issues, art media, neuroimaging technology, and models posited. Forty-six studies were found; majority discussed the structure and function of the brain to explain art therapy processes. The Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) model theorised that media properties stimulate different levels of visual and cognitive processing. The novel Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) neuroimaging technology may be used as a means of quantifying data. Conclusion Significant progress has been made in attempting to explain brain responses during the art therapy process. However empirical data is needed to prove theoretical models. The use of neuroimaging has started this process to lead research into evidence-based practice. Implications for practice/further research Evidencing the ground-breaking ETC model, using neuroimaging and MoBI technology is needed through close collaboration between transdisciplinary departments. Art therapists should be encouraged to use the ETC to inform art therapy assessment, planning and treatment. Plain-language summary Neuroscience is the study of the brain and its processes, and recently technology has been available to researchers to examine brain processes in detail. This systematic narrative review explores recent literature that uses the principles of neuroscience to investigate the effects of art therapy, with a specific interest in art media. A systematic narrative review is when the findings of the study rely on the use of words to summarise the data. Art media is an important part of art therapy, as it is through artistic expressions that the client communicates their inner troubles. Different art media has been shown to elicit different feelings and behavioural responses in clients. However, research showing brain responses to different art media is limited. This study highlights ways in which further research in this field can take place. Results show that significant advancements have already been made that identify important structures and functions of the brain accessed during art therapy. Important models which incorporate neuroscience principles and theorise the art therapy process are highlighted. A significant model is the Expressive Therapies Continuum. This model explains how the brain processes information when different art media is used. However empirical data is needed to substantiate the theory behind this model. The use of neuroimaging technology is one way to achieve this. Therefore, this paper encourages transdisciplinary research to further investigate the effects different art media has on the brain during the art therapy process.

Creating an online arts journaling group for trans clients

ABSTRACT Background Trans people experience high levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and attempts, as well as poor experiences seeking mental health support. There is limited research into the experience and effectiveness of using Art Therapy with trans clients. Context This paper describes an Art Therapy group with trans clients. The group took place online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants consented to have their images and experiences used in this practice paper. Approach Building on the work of Beaumont (2012. Art therapy for gender variant individuals: A compassion oriented approach. Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal, 25(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/08322473.2012.11415565), and using a neurobiological understanding of Art Therapy, this paper theorises that Art Therapy strategies known to be effective with trauma survivors may also support clients experiencing gender dysphoria. Considering Beaumont’s model, a six-week online Art Therapy intervention using weekly focused themes was developed. A strong focus was given to creating group cohesion through co-creating a working alliance. Clients reflected together on artwork created through arts journaling between sessions. Outcomes Participant engagement was high. The intervention received consistently positive solicited and unsolicited feedback from clients. Limitations of this feedback are noted. Conclusion Trans clients reported that the use of an online arts journaling group approach facilitated a powerful sense of belonging created in the group and reflected through the artwork. Implications for research Research is needed to consider Art Therapy’s effectiveness in improving wellbeing for trans clients through creating a sense of belonging. Research could also consider whether clients experiencing gender dysphoria could be supported by Art Therapy approaches known to work well with traumatised clients. Plain-language summary Trans clients are likely to need support with their mental health due to experiencing high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal feelings. They are also likely to describe poor experiences of seeking out mental health support. This highlights the importance of developing appropriate, supportive Art Therapy interventions with this client group. This paper describes a six-week online Art Therapy group with trans clients. The group took place in the context of a charity programme to support improved mental health and wellbeing in the trans community. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group took place online. The group used an arts journaling approach. Clients made artwork between sessions, and shared and reflected on what they had created as a group over Zoom. I describe the theoretical approach which led to the creation of the group, noting the lack of research into working with this client base. I also outline the perspectives considered when recreating the intervention online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I describe the group’s online sessions. I show how the group worked together to create a strong working agreement and shared values. I explore participants’ reflections on their artworks. I consider the emergence of a strong sense of belonging within the group. I also reflect on participants’ feedback, giving space for clients’ own words about their experience. Client feedback shows that participants value sharing their experiences with people they feel understand them and experiencing a sense of belonging in a supportive community. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of Art Therapy in improving mental health and wellbeing with this client group. Clients hoped that sharing their experiences could help enable an Art Therapy approach to be considered with trans clients in other contexts.

Disabled and confined: using art therapy as a coping strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic

The contemporary universal challenge of COVID-19 pandemic put more restrictions to disabled people’s social interaction. This paper reports qualitative findings from a short-term art therapy intervention for a person with West Syndrome to examine how art therapy can be used as a coping strategy with the psychological impact of confinement. The data were analysed using Cathy Malchiodi’s theory of ‘art in therapy’ and Edith Kramer’s theory of ‘art as therapy’. Findings from this study show that the use of art therapy as a coping strategy during the confinement period has clear benefits as it promotes emotional well-being and helps to reduce the mobility limitations caused by disability. The article concludes that art therapy can be used as an alternative way to cope with disability. It aims to positively impact parents and caregivers through highlighting new spots of action. Points of interest The article looks in detail at the real-life experiences of a disabled person during the period of home-confinement. Disabled people experience isolation from society and the home-confinement policies put more restrictions to their social interaction. Disabled people need to be involved in activities such as painting, drawing, colouring, singing and story-telling to better cope with confinement. This type of research is important because it can help caregivers improve the quality of personal assistance during the period of confinement.

Effectiveness of art therapy for people with eating disorders: A mixed methods systematic review

Eating disorders are common and debilitating mental illnesses that have severe implications for quality of life, and are complex and difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature relating to the effectiveness of art therapy for people with eating disorders and to synthesise participant experiences and attitudes of art therapy. The Joanna Briggs Institute guideline for conducting mixed methods systematic reviews was followed. A search of grey literature and electronic databases was conducted in April 2020, including CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Inclusion criteria comprised qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies, people of all ages with an eating disorder, community and clinical settings, any sample size, and an art therapy intervention. A convergent segregated approach was adopted during data analysis. Three mixed methods case series studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative findings showed that art therapy promoted self-expression, self-awareness, new perspectives, pride and distraction. Quantitative findings indicated significant improvements in quality of life and mental health outcomes, although findings were limited due to poor study quality. There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for practice due to methodological limitations, including small sample sizes and variable study quality. Further studies are warranted to extend the evidence base.

Premorbid de novo artistic creativity in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) syndromes.

The emergence of new artistic activities or shifts in artistic style in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) syndromes is well documented at or after disease onset. However, a closer look in the literature reveals emerging artistic creativity also before FTD onset, although the significance and underlying pathology of such creative endeavors remain elusive. Here, we systematically review relevant studies and report an additional FTD case to elaborate on artistic activities that developed years before disease manifestation by paying particular attention to the sequence of events in individual patients' biography and clinical history. We further discuss the FTD patient's creative activities in the context of their life events, other initial or "premorbid" dementia symptoms or risk factors described in the literature such as mental illness and mild behavioral impairment (MBI), as well as changes in neuronal systems (i.e., neuroimaging and neuropathology). In addition to our FTD patient, we identified five published cases with an FTD syndrome, including three with FTD, one with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and one with the behavioral variant of PPA (bvPPA). Premorbid novel creativity emerged across different domains (visual, musical, writing), with the FTD diagnosis ensuing artistic productivity by a median of 8years. Data on late-life and pre-dementia life events were available in four cases. The late creative phase in our case was accompanied by personality changes, accentuation of personality traits, and cessation of painting activities occurred with the onset of memory complaints. Thus, premorbid personality changes in FTD patients can be associated with de novo creative activity. Stressful life events may also contribute to the burgeoning of creativity. Moreover, primary neocortical areas that are largely spared by pathology at early FTD stages may facilitate the engagement in artistic activities, offering a window of opportunity for art therapy and other therapeutic interventions during the MBI stage or even earlier.

Art therapy and self-image: A 5-year follow-up art therapy RCT study of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

This follow-up study on perceived self-image and psychophysical distress/psychic symptoms was based on a ranomized contolled study of art therapy on women with breast cancer. The aim was to examine the long-term effects of time-limited art therapy using the instruments of Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) and Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90). Three attachment clusters of the SASB showed significant changes post therapy: Autonomous self (cluster 1), Accepting self (cluster 2), and Loving self (cluster 3). Clusters 2 and 3 continued to change in favor of the intervention group at the 5-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in the SCL-90 results between the intervention group and the control group in the follow-up study. The art therapy intervention was both therapeutic and psycho-educative. The conclusion of this study is that approaching emotions through time-limited art therapy seems to have a long-lasting effect on the attachment behavioral system shown in the SASB model post intervention, and this effect remained 5 years later.

Mindfulness based art therapy study protocol to determine efficacy in reducing college stress and anxiety

BackgroundCollege students in Generation Z are among the most stressed of our time. Previous research suggests that current interventions on university campuses are primarily for students in crises, but supportive services like psychoeducation to introduce coping skills are scant. Interventions that take both financial and time pressures into account are needed to address the mental health challenges faced by students. This study is designed to determine the unique role of the arts as a proactive mental health strategy for college students.MethodsA sample of college students in Generation Z (n = 120) will be recruited. Participants will be assigned to Arts-only, mindfulness-only, mindfulness-based art interventions or a non-intervention control group. These interventions will be delivered using a minimal contact, web-based approach. Participants will be screened for eligibility requirements prior to the inclusion in the Time 1 assessment though an online survey. Once enrolled, participants will complete the Time 1 assessment, followed by the intervention. Each assessment will consist of psychological and physiological measures. The MBAT, NCT and MO groups will complete a brief self-care task twice a week for 5 weeks. Upon completion of the assigned intervention, participants will complete a Time 2 assessment and participate in the Trier Social Stress Test. Six weeks post-intervention, participants will complete the final assessment to assess the longevity of effects of the intervention.DiscussionThis study will clarify the effects of Mindfulness-based Art Therapy on several biometric and physiological markers above and beyond isolated art therapy or mindfulness interventions. Qualitative data in the form of transcribed exit interviews will be analyzed to characterize the unique needs of Generation Z students, along with level of engagement, intervention acceptance and satisfaction. The results will identify the efficacy of a low-cost and easily accessible mental health intervention targeting college students experiencing stress and anxiety.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04834765, 05/17/21. Retrospectively registered.

Trauma Treatment through Art Therapy (TT-AT): a ‘women and trauma’ group in Tanzania

ABSTRACT Background In low–middle income countries the number of patients suffering from PTSD (from adult onset trauma) and from complex-PTSD (who have suffered from childhood emotional, physical and sexual abuse, deprivation and domestic violence) is high, but there is a shortage of clinical psychologists. The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) has recommended the development of innovative interventions. Context At Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a number of mental health professionals have been trained in providing Art Therapy as an ‘additional skill’ within their respective professions. In the Department of Psychiatry we have developed a protocol for a short-term Trauma Treatment with Art Therapy (TT-AT). Approach Our intervention is focused on the six patients’ needs outlined by ISTSS in the following areas: Emotion Regulation; Relationships; Self-Identity; Gradual Exposure to Trauma; Integration of Trauma; Personal Resources. We have developed six Art Therapy workshops aimed to address each one of these needs. The approach is supportive and non-interpretative. Outcomes The intervention was developed at Muhimbili National Hospital with a ‘Women’s Group’ of four patients, who had experienced different types of trauma. All patients attended regularly and reported improvements to their trauma symptoms. Conclusion This short-term art therapy intervention was useful with this population, and may be applicable to patients who suffer from a broad range of traumatic experience. Implication for research The protocol is described in detail, and can easily be replicated for clinical purposes and research. Plain-language summary There is a need for innovative interventions in the field of trauma, especially when the trauma was experienced during childhood (loss, abuse, deprivation and domestic violence). The task force of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies have encouraged the development of innovative interventions, recommending that new interventions are focused on patients’ needs rather than on trauma exposure, and should include emotional strengthening interventions. Six psychological needs were outlined by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies in the following areas: emotion regulation; relationships; self-identity/self-esteem; gradual exposure to the trauma; integration of the trauma in one’s life; and personal resources. At Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, we developed a Group Art Therapy intervention protocol, which was based on six art therapy workshops, plus time for free art making. The intervention was carried out with a group of four female patients who had all experienced different types of trauma, and began with three strengthening workshops: Filling the body outline, to facilitate the safe expression of emotions; A memory of a positive relationship in childhood, to remember positive relationships; and The fantasy of a tree growing in the desert, to cultivate feelings of hope. The next two workshops were focused on a gradual exposure to the trauma, these included: The fantasy of a traumatised child; and The life-line, to integrate positive and negative memories. The final workshop was devoted to strengthening the awareness of personal resources. The four patients all attended regularly and reported improvements to their trauma symptoms at the end of the intervention.

Amplifying Perspectives: The Experience of Adolescent Males of Color Engaged in School-Based Art Therapy

This qualitative study examines the experience of adolescent males of color engaged in a 12-week, school-based art therapy intervention. Participants were 78 ninth graders from limited resource communities attending an all-boys high school in the South Bronx, New York. The population was naturally divided into three groups based on levels of potential academic competency. At the conclusion of the intervention, participants completed a written questionnaire to ascertain their perspectives on art therapy, the pieces they created, and how process and product related to emotions. Qualitative coding revealed nine themes, which provided a sense of differential impacts of the intervention by academic grouping. Findings suggest that art therapy targets a range of needs for high school students, from those who are successful and feel positively in school to those who struggle within the academic setting.

The role of local radio in promoting creative engagement for healthy ageing

ObjectivesTo identify and critique literature on the links between public service local radio promoting creative engagement for healthy ageing in order to better understand the potential for public health agendas. MethodsThis communication draws on preliminary learning from Up for Arts (UfA), a partnership initiative between BBC local radio and the UK charity Voluntary Arts. As part of the development of a logic model for the national roll-out of UfA, a scoping review of literature was undertaken. Eight search engines were searched systematically using four main search terms, ‘older people’, ‘participatory arts’, ‘mass media’ and ‘public health’. Journals and websites were also opportunistically searched for outlying material. The inclusion criteria were qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies and literature reviews published in English, between 2009 and 2018, wherein public service local radio was involved in promoting arts and crafts activities in local communities. Both formal activities, such as singing in a choir, and informal activities, such as a home-based knitting circle, were included. Art therapy, music therapy and other clinical interventions were excluded. ResultsOf 708 papers, articles and reports identified through title, 37 were retained for primary screening. None met the criteria for inclusion. However, results on the individual search topics indicate that improved public health outcomes might result by including the promotion of creative engagement for healthy ageing. ConclusionPublic Service Local Radio partnership initiatives, such as UfA, could have a role in supporting the development of creative engagement as a positive healthy ageing activity. This may be of interest and relevance to policymakers seeking novel ways to address health behaviours among people approaching old age.

Arts-based therapy: a pilot program for immigrant and refugee children

ABSTRACT Arts-based therapy (ABT) is beneficial for children who have experienced trauma, however, little is known about its feasibility or efficacy in immigrant and refugee children. We analyzed the effects of a volunteer-led ABT program on the mental wellness of immigrant and refugee children. Weekly ABT sessions were held with 55 children, 28 of whom completed the program and surveys. Mental wellness was assessed through pre- and post-intervention surveys using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). We used Chi-square tests and Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA to examine change in high and total SDQ score, respectively. Children enjoyed meeting new people, gaining new skills, and imaginative play during ABT sessions. Most parents reported their child was happier after participating. Small improvements were seen in multiple SDQ subscales, including emotional, conduct, peer problems, and prosocial activity, although none were statistically significant (p > 0.1). This ABT program was well-received and indicates the feasibility of a volunteer-led program. Further studies should quantify the effects of art therapy interventions.

Art psychotherapy and public health

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the role of art psychotherapy as a biopsychosocial approach to bodymind medicine in ameliorating the effects of psychophysical stress among people with non-metastatic cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), post-surgical resection. Study designMixed methods. MethodsThis study followed a mixed-methods research design, utilising qualitative data gained from a 6-month weekly group art therapy intervention, including both the images made and explored during the 3-h sessions and the accompanying narratives. The narratives were the subject of thematic analysis. The quantitative data arose from ELISA assays for secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) and secretory interferon-γ (S-IFN- γ), DTH (PPD) tests were delivered at timepoints t0, t1, t5, t13, t24 and t52, and questionnaires were delivered at t0, t24 and t52: MAC, HAD, COPE & EORTC-QLQ-C-30. ResultsThe findings of this study included themes of ‘otherness’ and ‘isolation’, which also preceded diagnosis, and an upward trend in S-IgA, which continued over time. ConclusionsThis study found that art psychotherapy promotes enhanced immunological function, coping skills and interpersonal relations. Positive psychoneuroimmunological change can result from group art psychotherapy, facilitating integration of psychological content in a supportive and interactive environment, which improves quality of life, thereby reducing the public health burden.