Art Therapy Drawing Protocols for Chronic Pain: Qualitative Findings From a Mixed-Method Pilot Study

Abstract

This publication presents the qualitative findings from a mixed-method pilot study on three- and four-drawing protocols for chronic pain, which have demonstrated significant positive quantitative results. For this report, thematic analysis and magnitude coding of drawing titles, narratives, and characteristics including resource representations and integration, was conducted. Findings demonstrated positive changes associated with specific drawing protocol prompts and sequences. Participants (N = 25) reported positive changes, demonstrated in part by their final drawings, which integrated depictions of their resources. Findings included positive shifts in cognitive and affective functioning, social support, stress levels, psychological processing, pain experiences, and representations of self. These findings suggested further support for the clinical utility of drawing protocols for chronic pain.

Keywords:

• Medical art therapy
• drawing protocol
• chronic pain
• memory reconsolidation
• resources

Disclosure Statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this research was partially supported by the Silver Rawley Art Therapy Research Award, received in 2019 by the first author.

Notes on contributors

Noah Hass-Cohen

Noah Hass-Cohen is a Professor in the Couple and Family Therapy program at Alliant International University, Los Angeles.

Rebecca Bokoch

Rebecca Bokoch is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical PhD program) at Alliant International University, Los Angeles.

Katherine Goodman

Katherine Goodman is a Doctoral Candidate in the Clinical PhD program at Alliant International University, Los Angeles.

Julia McAnuff

Julia McAnuff is a family therapist at Anchor Children and Family Counseling in Pasadena, CA.