Oncology expressive arts: providing a window to reflect on a stressful experience

J Psychosoc Oncol. 2022;40(1):80-97. doi: 10.1080/07347332.2021.1899352. Epub 2021 Mar 17.

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate changes in mood, perceived need for help, and task enjoyment after participation in a one-time Oncology on Canvas expressive arts workshop intervention.

Methods: Mixed methods design. Sample: military-veteran oncology survivors and their adult `ohana (family members, caregivers, friends, healthcare providers, volunteers). Measurement tools: Emotion Thermometers, Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist-Revised, Task Enjoyment Question, semi-structured interviews, and self-reflective narratives. Colaizzi's Phenomenological Method was used to conduct a thematic analysis.

Findings: Significant improvements in mood, increased task enjoyment, and decreased perceived need for help, with continued effects for up to 30-60 days post-intervention.

Conclusions: A one-time expressive arts workshop intervention can provide a window for oncology survivors and their adult `ohana to reflect on a stressful experience.

Implications for psychosocial providers: Psychosocial healthcare providers (APRNs, nurse educators, LCSWs, psychologists) who are not professional art therapists can effectively implement expressive arts workshops as a cost-effective intervention for oncology survivors and their `ohana.

Keywords: cancer; creative arts; expressive arts; mood; oncology; survivors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect
  • Art Therapy*
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Medical Oncology
  • Survivors