Art Therapy Research Articles

Case report on clay sculpting of Platonic solids for anxiety: Exploration of effects and mechanisms of change

Touch is an essential component of the human experience, especially evident in art therapy where activities like clay work serve as powerful tools for sensory expression. While art therapy is often associated with free expression and creativity, structured interventions prove most effective in addressing negative moods. A structured art intervention, used in anthroposophic art therapy, is clay modeling of Platonic solids. The idea is that sculpting these abstract geometric forms helps individuals to regain or strengthen a sense of stability. In this specific case study, the therapeutic effects of Platonic solids were explored concerning anxiety reduction. The patient suffered from anxiety, panic attacks, severe distress and somatization. After three months art therapy, her anxiety and somatization were significantly reduced. It was found that patient’s ability to accept her emotions and responses to distress improved. This case report sheds light on the mechanisms underlying art therapy, particularly the role of tactile engagement in facilitating emotional integration across different levels of consciousness, increasing patient’s self-awareness. This case report contributes to the ongoing exploration of art therapy's transformative potential, emphasizing the significance of tactile experiences and combining a body-oriented approach with a cognitive challenge (Platonic solids) in the therapeutic process.

Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Art Therapy (TFAT) for psychological trauma: A mixed method single case study

Art therapy (AT) shows promise in treating clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially those who don't respond well to traditional treatments (more than 30 %). This case study aimed to explore the effects of Trauma-Focused Art Therapy (TFAT) on PTSD symptoms and establish its viability as a non-verbal therapy for trauma-related issues. A 10-week intervention and a 3-week follow-up phase were explored using a mixed method single case experimental design (SCED) aimed at integrated results. Bringing the two types of data together adds value and enables to understand the findings better. Quantitative data was collected with weekly questionnaires focused on severity of depression, resilience, self-esteem, mental health and self-expression and emotion regulation in art therapy. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was completed in week 1 and 10. Qualitative data was collected through interviews, the patient dossier, and artwork. The combined findings indicate a decrease in PTSD symptoms, reduced depression symptoms, enhanced emotional articulation, increased mental resilience, self-esteem, and positive mental health. The qualitative data support these results, and also add improved emotional connection, increased emotional acknowledgment, and enhanced self-compassion. Based on the combined results of this mixed method design we understand that the TFAT protocol led to a clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and improved mental health, demonstrating effectiveness of AT for trauma in this case. This is the first study that tested the TFAT protocol in posttraumatic distress.

Drama therapists’ attitudes and perspectives regarding dis/ability: A community survey

The Dis/ability and Drama Therapy Lab at Lesley University conducted a community-wide survey aimed at better understanding drama therapists’ attitudes toward dis/ability. This survey was modeled after previous surveys conducted in creative arts therapies; a combination of a validated measure and researcher-designed questions were used to elicit information on attitudes, experiences, frameworks used, and confidence levels. Open ended questions were paired with quantitative measures to allow for respondent elaboration, and qualitative data are utilized to illustrate and support quantitative results. Data were analyzed from 146 participants who met inclusion criteria. Results indicate that while drama therapists hold overall positive attitudes toward dis/ability, there are significant gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed.

Effects of antiretroviral therapy on glycemic and inflammatory indices in people living with HIV (PLWH).

This study explores the relationship between different ART therapy based on NRTIs, and inflammatory markers, along with fasting blood glucose levels in treatment-naïve people living with HIV (PLWH). We retrospectively analyzed the variations in fasting blood glucose and inflammatory markers and their relationship with different ART regimens in 497 treatment-naïve PLWH at the ART clinic of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from June 2018 to March 2022. From baseline to 24 months, fasting blood glucose, systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in PLWH receiving ART increased, while neutrophillymphocyte ratio (NLR) decreased (p < .05). In the NNRTIs group, fasting blood glucose, SII, PIV and LMR were higher than before (p < .05). In the INSTIs group, fasting blood glucose and LMR increased (p < .05), while NLR was lower (p < .05). Compared to the INSTIs, fasting blood glucose in the NNRTIs group was higher at 12 and 24 months (p < .05). At 24 months, both NLR and SII were higher in the NNRTIs group than in the INSTIs group (p < .05). Despite the virus suppression, fasting blood glucose and certain inflammatory markers in PLWH can gradually increase. Compared to NNRTIs, the INSTIs regimen was associated with favorable alterations in the levels of glucose and inflammatory markers.

A handbook for Rhythmic Relating in autism: supporting social timing in play, learning and therapy.

We present a handbook for Rhythmic Relating, an approach developed to support play, learning and therapy with young autistic children, unconventional communicators, and autistic people who have additional learning needs. Rhythmic Relating is based on the Movement Sensing perspective, a growing body of research that recognizes that autistic social difficulties stem from more basic sensory and motor differences. These sensorimotor differences directly affect embodied experience and social timing in communication. The Rhythmic Relating approach acknowledges that autistic/non-autistic interactive mismatch goes both ways and offers bidirectional support for social timing and expressive action in play. This handbook is presented in an accessible fashion, allowing the reader to develop at their own pace through three skill-levels and encouraging time out to practice. We begin with the basics of building rapport (seeing, copying, and celebrating interactional behaviors), introduce the basic foundations of sensory stability, and then move on to developing reciprocal play (using mirroring, matching, looping, and "Yes…and" techniques), and further to understanding sensory impetus (using sensory contours, accents and flows) and its potential in support of social timing. Rhythmic Relating is offered in support of each practitioner's creative practice and personal sense of fun and humor in play. The model is offered as a foundation for interaction and learning, as a base practice in schools, for Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists and Physiotherapists, and can also provide a basis for tailoring creative arts therapies when working with autistic clients.

Modern Health-saving Pedagogical Technologies in Preschool Educational Institutions

The article discusses modern health-saving pedagogical technologies used in preschool educational institutions (preschool educational institutions), such as kinesiology, Pilates and art therapy. These methods are aimed at the comprehensive development of children, their physical and psycho-emotional health, and contribute to the formation of a healthy lifestyle and harmonious personality development from an early age.

STUDY OF SUPPRESSION OF HIV VIRAL LOAD AMONG PEOPLE RECEIVING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN PALEMBANG CITY

Background: Suppression of viral load is a targeted strategy for the prevention of HIV transmission. Viral load (VL) testing can be done at all health centres in Palembang City with free services. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate VL suppression and factors associated with VL suppression. Methods: The study design of this research was a cross-sectional study with data analysis using the Chi-square and binomial logistic regression tests. The population in this study was all HIV patients who accessed health services for VL testing. Data sources were obtained from the HIV/AIDS Information System (SIHA) for the period 2023 - June 2024. Results: The majority of PLHIV cases were male (1072 people) (83%) and unmarried (802 people) (62.1%). The transmission group was male-sexual males, 54.88%, with an average age of 36.62 years. The results of multivariate analysis showed that there were three variables associated with viral load levels, namely age with a p-value &lt;0.03, AOR = 1.59 (95% CI: 1.04-2.43), ARV adherence with a p-value &lt; 0.00, AOR = 1.76 (95% CI: 1.18-2.61), and clinical stage with a p-value &lt; 0.04 AOR = 1.02 (95% CI: 1.02-2.07). Conclusion: Adherence to ART therapy, prevention of opportunistic infections, and early detection of clinical stage are predictors of successful viral load suppression. The role and responsibility of the community and the active participation of health workers in early detection, treatment and care are needed.

A - 25 Without Words: Relational Neuropsychology and Creative Arts Therapies with People Managing Aphasia

Abstract Objective Common approaches to functional rehabilitation with persons managing aphasia after stroke highlight conversation and semantic retrieval, with a lack of evidence considering the diversity of physiological, social–emotional, and psychiatric symptoms and responses. Further, evidence shows high dropout rates and limited engagement for post-stroke therapies. This research considered: How does participating in a neuropsychologically-informed creative arts therapy program influence cognitive and clinical therapeutic outcomes for a person with aphasia? Method A 64-year-old White man presented mixed conduction aphasia following left middle cerebral artery stroke in the temporal parietal region. Burden of Stroke Scales, Western Aphasia Battery, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Rey Complex Figure Tasks indicated moderate aphasia, diffuse cognitive impairment with severe memory impairment, and functional difficulties with communication, social relationships, and mood. The patient participated in six 1-¼ hour creative arts therapies with a clinical neuropsychology doctoral candidate co-located in a speech-language-hearing clinic. Results The patient actively participated in all individualized arts-based directives with complete adherence to specific session goals. Outcomes evidenced clinically significant improvements in tasks evaluating perceptual-motor, executive function, and memory domains of function. Linguistic inquiry and analysis software indicated reduction in nonfluencies and increased use of affective language. Clinical therapeutic outcomes included improved mood, engagement, and relational experiences assessed at session- and program- levels. Conclusions Multi-modal, low-verbal approaches for assessment and rehabilitation after stroke improve individualized approaches to treatment beyond semantic retrieval. Clinical neuropsychologists are well-placed to inform psychotherapies for this unique symptom-clustered condition, and creative arts therapies show promise in improvements in cognitive and social–emotional domains of function.

Allies not enemies-creating amore empathetic and uplifting patient experience through technology and art.

To understand whether art and technology (mainly conversational agents) may help oncology patients to experience amore humanized journey. This narrative review encompasses acomprehensive examination of the existing literature in this field by amulticenter, multidisciplinary, and multiprofessional team aiming to analyze the current developments and potential future directions of using art and technology for patient engagement. We identified three major themes of patient engagement with art and three major themes of patient engagement with technologies. Two real-case scenarios are reported from our experience to practically envision how findings from the literature can be implemented in different contexts. Art therapy and technologies can be ancillary supports for healthcare professionals but are not substitutive of their expertise and responsibilities. Such tools may help to convey amore empathetic and uplifting patient journey if properly integrated within clinical practice, whereby the humanistic touch of medicine remains pivotal.

The effect of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) on the body image of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has increased in the last decade, resulting in enduring psychological effects, including negative body image. This study explored the effect of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) on body image in women with PCOS.MethodsIn a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial conducted in Kerman, Iran, women of reproductive age (18–45) who were diagnosed with PCOS and met specific inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to either the MBAT intervention group or a control group placed on a therapy waiting list. The main focus of the study involved evaluating alterations in body image scores as the primary measure. Additionally, the study assessed secondary outcomes, which encompassed various domains of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The trial is registered with www.irct.ir (Registration code (25/01/2020): IRCT20170611034452N9).ResultsBetween August 2020 and January 2021, 66 participants were randomly assigned to the MBAT or waiting list group, and the study was completed by 60 women. At the end of the intervention, body image (adjusted mean difference from baseline (AMD) of 29.22 [95% CI 19.54, 38.90], P < 0.05) and at the one-month follow-up (AMD of 34.77 [95% CI 24.75, 44.80], P < 0.05) were greater in the MBAT group than in the waiting list group. At certain time points, some MBSRQ domains, including body area satisfaction (BASS) (p < 0.05), appearance evaluation (p < 0.05), fitness orientation (p > 0.05), health orientation (p < 0.05), and self-classified weight (p > 0.05), had higher scores than did the control group. However, only BASS had a conclusive effect size (large). Additionally, appearance orientation (p > 0.05), illness orientation (p > 0.05), health evaluation (p < 0.05), fitness evaluation (p > 0.05), and overweight preoccupation (p < 0.05) had lower scores with variable and inconclusive effect sizes.ConclusionsThe MBAT has potential as an effective approach for enhancing body image in women with PCOS. However, some MBSRQ domain results were inconclusive, likely due to the small sample size. Therefore, further research with a larger sample size is recommended.

Correlates and patterns of using complementary health approaches among individuals with recent and longer-term cancer diagnoses: a US national cross-sectional study.

To (1) describe and compare the prevalence of using of complementary health approaches, focusing on mind and body practices, and reasons for use among cancer survivors, and (2) examine characteristics associated with use among those with a recent and non-recent diagnosis of cancer compared to those without a previous cancer diagnosis. Using data from the 2022 US National Health Interview Survey, prevalence estimates were derived for using any complementary health approach, by category (manipulative body-based [chiropractor, acupuncture, massage], creative [music therapy, art therapy], and mind-body [meditation, guided imagery, yoga]), and reasons for use. Regression models identified correlates of use among all participants and within cancer diagnosis subgroups. Among 26,523 adult participants, overall prevalence of using any complementary approach was similar amongst individuals with recent cancer (40.17%), non-recent cancer (37.75%), and no cancer diagnosis (37.93%). However, odds of use were higher amongst recent (OR = 1.37) and relatively long term(OR = 1.14) cancer survivors compared to those without a history of cancer in adjusted models (both p < 0.05). In cancer survivors, mind-body approaches were mostly used for general health purposes, whereas manipulative approaches were used for general health and pain management. Female sex, younger age, higher education and income were among the prominent variables associated with using complementary approaches. We present an important snapshot of the landscape of using complementary approaches, specifically mind and body practices, in adult cancer survivors in the US. Inequalities in access to these therapies may exist, as use remains highest amongst those with higher socioeconomic conditions. Given the prevalence and potential benefits of complementary approaches among cancer survivors, there is a need to better understand their effectiveness, optimal use, and integration into cancer care. Further research is needed to understand and address access barriers that might exist amongst some cancer survivors.

Updating art therapy guidelines for people with personality disorders: a consensus review

ABSTRACT Background The British Association of Art Therapists has specialist interest groups that focus on specific areas of practice, and the need for a review was identified. The author consulted experts in the field of personality disorder and conducted a review of existing guidelines. Art therapy benefits from professional guidelines to ensure safe and effective practices, provide clarity for therapists and maintain consistency in treatment approaches. These guidelines help uphold ethical standards, protect patients’ wellbeing, inform research and promote accountability within the field of art therapy. Aims This paper aims to review and update the professional consensus guidelines for art therapists working with personality disorder, originally published in 2012. Methods A literature search identified new themes relevant to current professional practice. The authors employed semi-structured questionnaires and interviews in the adapted Delphi method process. Experts in the field submitted their responses in three rounds of review. Results Experts in the field indicated that changes were needed to the existing guidelines. The updated guidelines now offer improved clarity regarding practice and more accurately reflect current knowledge in this specific area. Experts reached a consensus on these updated guidelines in the final round of the review process. Conclusions The experts in the field identified significant changes to the guidelines and agreed on the guidelines’ usefulness in enhancing the professional profile and training of student art therapists. Implications for research The updated guidelines will require periodic review in the future to reflect evolving practices and the understanding of effective and safe treatment of personality disorder.

Современные методы психологической работы с посттравматическим стрессовым расстройством у военнослужащих

&lt;p&gt;The article describes the importance of psychological work with military personnel, primarily in the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with participation in hostilities. A brief description of the causes and symptoms of PTSD is given. The main directions of psychological work with military personnel participating in hostilities are described. The topic of the qualifications of psychologists who come into contact with this complex issue in their professional activities is touched upon. The possibilities of various areas of psychological work with PTSD are discussed, including art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, aromatherapy, and others. Psychological work with PTSD in interaction with military personnel is described in the following main areas: directly during combat operations, in hospitals, and in rehabilitation centers. Psychodiagnostic techniques used in the detection of PTSD and the current condition of a servicemember are mentioned. Studies confirming the effectiveness of various methods and techniques of working with PTSD are described.&lt;/p&gt;

Active Visual Art Therapy and Health Outcomes

Art therapy has a long-standing tradition in patient treatment. As scientific interest in its use has recently grown, a comprehensive assessment of active visual art therapy is crucial to understanding its potential benefits. To assess the association of active visual art therapy with health outcomes across patient groups and comparators. The systematic literature search included the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, American Psychological Association PsycArticles, American Psychological Association PsycInfo, PSYNDEX, the German Clinical Trials Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov. No filters regarding language were applied. The search covered all dates before March 2021. Data analysis was conducted from April 24 to September 8, 2023. Randomized clinical trials with any type of patient population comparing the intervention with any control not using active visual art therapy were included. Two researchers independently screened the abstracts and full texts. Data extraction followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data were synthesized using narrative summaries, forest plots, and random effects meta-analyses. In line with the protocol, all outcome measures of the included studies were extracted. The search identified 3104 records, of which 356 outcomes of 69 studies were included, with a total of approximately 4200 participants, aged 4 to 96 years, in the review. The meta-analyses included 50 studies and 217 outcomes of 2766 participants. Treatment indications included mental, neurological, and other somatic disorders, and prevention. Most outcome measures focused on depression, anxiety, self-esteem, social adjustment, and quality of life. Art therapy was associated with an improvement in 18% of the 217 outcomes compared with the controls (1%), while 81% showed no improvement. The standardized mean difference in the change from baseline of the meta-analyses of 0.38 (95% CI, 0.26-0.51) and posttest analysis of 0.19 (95% CI, 0.12-0.26) also indicated an improvement of outcomes associated with art therapy. Overall study quality was low. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, visual art therapy was associated with therapeutic benefits for some outcomes, although most studies were of low quality. Further good-quality studies are needed to provide additional insights for its best possible integration into routine care.

Plastic Resilience: Rethinking Resilience in Illness with Catherine Malabou.

Drawing on Catherine Malabou's notion of plasticity, this article argues for a conception of resilience as plastic. Resilience has proven an important concept in health care, describing how we manage life-changing illnesses. Yet, resilience is not without its critics, who suggest it neglects a political, social, or personal dimension in illness. In this article, I propose that a concept of plastic resilience can address these criticisms. On this account, success should not be based on a return to function, but rather on how actively we are involved in the formation of a new self after illness. I address some approaches that can benefit from "plastic resilience," namely, art therapy, expert companionship, and shared decision-making. In each case, I underline how we should help patients thematize and engage with their new selves, while also being constantly vigilant for how these changes might impact our current assumptions around their preferences for treatment.

A Descriptive Summary of Field Placements in Undergraduate Art Therapy Education

To learn about the current practices of undergraduate art therapy field placement courses being offered in the United States, we surveyed 32 undergraduate educators about their program’s courses. The results indicated a range in course structure, yet commonalities in instructional content emerged: (a) development and application of professional skills, (b) fostering student reflection, (c) encouraging student research pertinent to the setting, and (d) facilitating professional and career development. Common challenges in fieldwork included the difficulty with maintaining sites, finding qualified supervisors, and supporting the diverse needs of students. These survey results were consistent with national practices yet can inform future research and guidelines pertaining to undergraduate field placement courses while also highlighting the unique aspects specific to the field of art therapy.

Art therapy as a therapeutic resource integrated into mental health programmes: Components, effects and integration pathways

To understand the effectiveness of art therapy within the framework of multidisciplinary therapeutic programs, it is essential to adopt a holistic perspective that allows for the description of effect relationships. Under this premise, and in the context of the work carried out in two Mental Health Day Hospitals in the Community of Madrid, a study has been conducted with the primary objective of identifying and analysing which conditions and/or therapeutic factors make art therapy an effective therapeutic resource. Semi-structured interviews including questions about key factors, therapeutic contributions and suggested improvements were administered to a total of 10 professionals, 5 from each hospital. The responses were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. From the analysis of the interviews, 5 categories were identified: Common Factors, Specific Factors, Benefits to Patients, Contributions to Therapists and Improvements. The study concludes that art therapy is a practical and helpful treatment, particularly for narrative regulation and elaboration. It requires an interdisciplinary approach to fit into each patient’s treatment plan. Clinical debriefings with multidisciplinary clinicians have been effective and essential.

Creative Forces programming with military families: Art therapy, dance/movement therapy, and music therapy brief vignettes

LAY SUMMARY Creative arts therapists (art therapists, dance/movement therapists, and music therapists) administer assessments and interventions that support the holistic well-being of military families affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through participation in the Creative Forces: United States National Endowment for the Arts Military Healing Arts Network, military families discovered strengths, inspired connections, and improved understanding of their relationships. Creative arts therapies (CATs) motivated engagement, which ultimately boosted family resilience. CATs are an integral part of interdisciplinary care to address behavioural and rehabilitative conditions of military families impacted by TBI and PTSD. Future research should examine the efficacy of creative arts therapies in improving resilience in military families.

Inequitable barriers and opportunities for leadership and professional development, identified by early-career to mid-career allied health professionals

IntroductionInterprofessional leadership is essential to sustain the National Health Service (NHS) in pressured times, which should include the NHS’s third largest clinical workforce in England: allied health professionals (AHPs) (AHPs...

Use of Complementary Medicine Among US Adults with Post-COVID-19: Results from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and type of complementary medicine (CM) use as well as potential factors related to CM use in a representative sample of US adults with self-reported post-COVID-19. MethodsThis secondary data analysis was based on data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey 2022 about presence of post-COVID-19 symptoms and CM use in a representative adult sample (weighted n = 89,437,918). ResultsOur estimates indicate that 19.7% of those who reported having a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced post-COVID-19 symptoms, and 46.2% of those reported using any type of CM in the last 12 months. Specifically, post-COVID-19 respondents most often used mind-body medicine (32.0%), followed by massage (16.1%), chiropractic (14.4%), acupuncture (3.4%), naturopathy (2.2%), and art or music therapy (2.1%). Reporting post-COVID-19 was associated with an increased likelihood of using any CM in the last 12 months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]. 1.03-1.34; P = .014) and specifically, to visit an art or music therapist (AOR 2.56; 95% CI, 1.58–4.41; P < .001). The overall use of any CM was more likely among post-COVID-19 respondents under 65 years old, females, those with an ethnic background other than Hispanic, African-American, Asian, or non-Hispanic Whites, having a higher educational level, living in large metropolitan areas, and having private health insurance. ConclusionsOur findings show a high prevalence of CM use among post-COVID-19 respondents, which highlights the need for further investigations on effectiveness, safety, and possible mechanisms of action.