Online Art Therapy–Based Self-Help Intervention Serving Emotional Betterment During COVID-19

Abstract

This study investigated art therapy–based self-help online tasks (ATB-SHOT) as a means to support university students during the COVID-19 lockdown by (a) measuring effectiveness on mood repair (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Self-Assessment Manikin scales, pre- and postintervention) and (b) correlating outcomes with participants’ personality profiles (resourced profile [resilience and emotional intelligence] and a vulnerability profile [trait anxiety and somatic complaints]). Based on data from 57 participants, findings indicate that all ATB-SHOT tasks significantly reduced negative mood and two increased positive mood and control. Participants with a vulnerability profile showed greater reduction in negative emotions. The significance of the research demonstrates that students in challenging emotional situations could benefit from ATB-SHOT tools.

Keywords:

• COVID
• ATB-SHOT
• self-help
• art therapy