Evaluation of a brief art psychotherapy group for adults suffering from mild to moderate depression: Pilot pre, post and follow-up study

ABSTRACT

Current therapies do not offer universal solutions for the ‘global burden’ of depression. By focusing on non-verbal communication and creativity, arts therapies might present a relevant treatment option but their effectiveness remains unclear. A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate a brief art therapy group for adults suffering from depression. Adults experiencing mild to moderate depression took part in art therapy and completed questionnaires at three points in time. The intensity of depression, levels of anxiety and general wellbeing were measured. Semi-structured interviews focused on participants’ expectations and experience of therapy. A decrease in depressive symptoms was observed immediately after the therapy and at the follow-up, and a trend for improvement of subjectively perceived wellbeing was recorded. Potential benefits of therapy recognised by participants included: acceptance of depression, readiness to express emotions, sense of self and awareness of others, readiness for meaningful relationships, sense of achievement, sense of balance and new insights, growth and meaning. The statistically significant results and participants’ experience indicate that art therapy may offer a valuable treatment option for depression, and further research is recommended. Future studies should explore ways of addressing both the outcomes and the process of therapy through creative methodological designs.

KEYWORDS:

• Depression
• arts therapies
• evaluation
• pilot study
• art psychotherapy

Acknowledgements

Ania Zubala would like to express sincere thanks to Queen Margaret University for awarding her with a PhD scholarship to research arts therapies. Special thanks go to the participants for their time and courage and for enabling this project to happen.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Ania Zubala, PhD, is a researcher and a psychologist, trained in psychotherapy and arts therapies. Her own research and interdisciplinary collaborations concern holistically understood well-being and focus particularly on evidencing arts therapies and arts participation. Prior to her life in academia Ania held clinical roles in mental health settings, in health and charity sectors. She currently works in the Scottish Improvement Science Collaborating Centre at the University of Dundee.

Donald J. MacIntyre, MD, is a consultant general adult psychiatrist, a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, and Associate Medical Director (Mental Health) at NHS 24, Scotland’s national teleheath and telecare organisation.

Vicky Karkou, PhD, is a professor and the Chair of Arts and Wellbeing at Edge Hill University, where she leads a research team of artists, therapists and arts therapists (and doctoral students). She is a qualified dance movement psychotherapist, researcher and educator, having worked with vulnerable children and adults in schools, voluntary organisations and the NHS. Vicky is well published in peer-reviewed journals and is a co-editor for the international journal Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy. She has co-written and co-edited three books, currently co-editing her fourth with Ania Zubala, a Routledge book on research in the arts therapies in the treatment of depression.

ORCID

Ania Zubala http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8061-6777

Donald J. MacIntyre http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6963-1335

Vicky Karkou http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8986-956X