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Supportive Care in Cancer

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Open Access 01-05-2021 | Mood Disorders | Review Article

The effects of art therapy on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in adults with cancer: a systematic literature review

Authors: J. T. Bosman, Z. M. Bood, M. Scherer-Rath, H. Dörr, N. Christophe, M. A. G. Sprangers, H. W. M. van Laarhoven

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Purpose

While there is increasing evidence for the effectiveness of psychosocial support programs for cancer patients, little attention has been paid to creativity or art as a way of addressing their psychological problems and improving quality of life. This review provides an overview of interventional studies that investigate the effects of art therapy interventions on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in adults with cancer.

Methods

We conducted a literature review with a systematic search. The databases PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched for articles on art therapy among adult (18 years and above) cancer patients, published between September 2009 up to September 2019. Search terms were established for each database specifically. A total of 731 publications was assessed for relevance by title and abstract. The remaining 496 articles were examined using three inclusion criteria: interventions were guided by an artist or art therapist, participants were actively involved in the creative process, and anxiety, depression, and/or quality of life were included as outcome measures. Methodological quality of the included studies was appraised using specific checklists.

Results

Seven papers met the inclusion criteria. Data was extracted from three non-randomized intervention studies and four randomized controlled trials. All studies used a quantitative design with validated outcome measures. Four articles described positive effects of art therapy on anxiety, depression, or quality of life in adults with cancer.

Conclusion

Art therapy could possibly help decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve quality of life in adult cancer patients. However, because of the heterogeneity of the interventions and limited methodological quality of the studies, further research using stringent methods is needed.

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Title: The effects of art therapy on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in adults with cancer: a systematic literature review
Authors: J. T. Bosman
Z. M. Bood
M. Scherer-Rath
H. Dörr
N. Christophe
M. A. G. Sprangers
H. W. M. van Laarhoven
Publication date: 01-05-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Anxiety
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-020-05869-0

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