Art Therapy Impact on Aging Adults’ Quality of Life: Leisure and Learning

Abstract

Quality of life (QoL) is influenced by physical and psychological health, but includes subjective qualities that are inherent in social and cognitive processes necessary for healthy aging and overall well-being. A quantitative study analyzed the effects of art therapy for 14 aging adults utilizing the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale (BBQ) at pre, mid, and post 32-week study. Regression analysis showed significant positive changes in two areas: Importance of Learning and Leisure. Participating in art therapy increased the importance of learning and leisure, that are influential factors in QoL for aging adults. This demonstrates that art therapy has the potential to support healthy aging.

Keywords:

• Art therapy
• quality of life
• aging adults
• leisure
• learning

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Torrie Rhoades as a member of the research team, and the clinical supervision of Katherine Cooley and Alexa Hart. The authors also express gratitude to Spencer Hays with the Indiana Statistical Consulting Center: Indiana University Bloomington for your expertise on this study.

Additional information

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by a grant from Healthcare Initiatives, Inc. [grant number: 65031529].

Notes on contributors

Eileen Misluk

Eileen Misluk, MPS, LPC, ATR-BC, LMHC, CEDS, is the Director of Art Therapy at Herron School of Art and Design, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN.

Haley Rush

Haley Rush, LMHCA, is a therapist team lead/supervisor at Quality Counseling and Psychological Services.