A non-randomised trial of an art therapy intervention for patients with haematological malignancies to support post-traumatic growth

J Health Psychol. 2013 Jul;18(7):939-49. doi: 10.1177/1359105312458332. Epub 2012 Oct 1.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of art therapy on post-traumatic growth in patients with haematological malignancies in a non-randomised trial (n = 36, intervention group; n = 129, control group). Art therapy was administered over a period of 22 weeks in small groups. Post-traumatic growth was measured with the Stress-Related Growth Scale. After controlling for the effect of potential confounders, no difference in post-traumatic growth was observed between the intervention and control groups after 22 weeks. There was no evidence for an effect of weekly group sessions with art therapy on post-traumatic growth in patients with haematological malignancies.

Keywords: Hodgkin lymphoma; art therapy; leukaemia; neoplasms; post-traumatic growth.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Art Therapy*
  • Female
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychological Tests
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / prevention & control*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult