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ABSTRACT
Background
Few studies have investigated brain responses to different art media. Investigations into brain processes during art making have highlighted important structures. Neuroimaging tools have been used to investigate activation of brain areas whilst artmaking, but not in a therapeutic setting. This review highlights recent advancements in this area and encourages researchers to be the first to apply this in the UK.
Aim
To understand how the principles of neuroscience are currently informing the literature to explain the effects of art media in art therapy practice.
Methods
Review of published peer-reviewed research between years 2000 and 2020 on neuroscience and art therapy.
Results
Findings were summarised into categories discussing psychological/neurobiological issues, art media, neuroimaging technology, and models posited. Forty-six studies were found; majority discussed the structure and function of the brain to explain art therapy processes. The Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) model theorised that media properties stimulate different levels of visual and cognitive processing. The novel Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) neuroimaging technology may be used as a means of quantifying data.
Conclusion
Significant progress has been made in attempting to explain brain responses during the art therapy process. However empirical data is needed to prove theoretical models. The use of neuroimaging has started this process to lead research into evidence-based practice.
Implications for practice/further research
Evidencing the ground-breaking ETC model, using neuroimaging and MoBI technology is needed through close collaboration between transdisciplinary departments. Art therapists should be encouraged to use the ETC to inform art therapy assessment, planning and treatment.
Plain-language summary
Neuroscience is the study of the brain and its processes, and recently technology has been available to researchers to examine brain processes in detail. This systematic narrative review explores recent literature that uses the principles of neuroscience to investigate the effects of art therapy, with a specific interest in art media.
A systematic narrative review is when the findings of the study rely on the use of words to summarise the data. Art media is an important part of art therapy, as it is through artistic expressions that the client communicates their inner troubles. Different art media has been shown to elicit different feelings and behavioural responses in clients. However, research showing brain responses to different art media is limited. This study highlights ways in which further research in this field can take place.
Results show that significant advancements have already been made that identify important structures and functions of the brain accessed during art therapy. Important models which incorporate neuroscience principles and theorise the art therapy process are highlighted.
A significant model is the Expressive Therapies Continuum. This model explains how the brain processes information when different art media is used. However empirical data is needed to substantiate the theory behind this model. The use of neuroimaging technology is one way to achieve this. Therefore, this paper encourages transdisciplinary research to further investigate the effects different art media has on the brain during the art therapy process.
Acknowledgements
This article is a summarised account of my MA dissertation, and I would like to thank my supervisor Dr Andrew Mitchell for his support and guidance, and fellow colleague/supervisor Elizabeth King for her ongoing support and belief in me.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Shireen Malik
Shireen Malik, on writing this article in January 2021, Shireen was at the end of her MA training in Art Therapy, from the University of Chester. She resides in Manchester, UK with her husband and three children, one who is on the autism spectrum. During her clinical training she has worked with bereaved, vulnerable and looked-after children, and those with special educational needs. Shireen’s medical research background has inspired her special interest in transdisciplinary research in neuroscience and art therapy.