Effectiveness of expressive arts therapy for elderly with depression and anxiety

Abstract

Growth of aging population is a pressing issue in Hong Kong, which embodies a substantial challenge of increasing numbers of depressed elderly. Studies indicated that depression and anxiety is a common mental health issue among the elderly population, and it is also a treatable condition. This mixed-methods study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of expressive arts therapy for elderly with depression and anxiety. Elderly fulfilled the inclusion criteria was invited to participate once a week for 12 sessions of treatments in primarily visual arts as well as the other creative arts interventions. The elderly completed the pre-post measures in GAD-7, Personality Scale (Extraversion version), SWLS, and Geriatric Depression Scale. The analysis results of these inventories served as measurements of emotional improvement and personal growth. Additionally, the elderly completed semi-structured interviews, their feedback and artworks have been examine through the framework of the Arts Therapy Five-Point Start Assessment Tool in order to conduct art-based assessment on the outcomes.

Both quantitative and qualitative results indicate that expressive arts therapy intervention group conducted is an effective intervention in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. This research provides significant findings indicating that meaningful engagement and successful experiences in the use of art, help participants to relax, increase sense of confidence and empower their ability to manage their emotions. These are considered as important healing strategies that moderate treatment effect of the therapy. It also implies that cheerful group process, safe and non-judgmental environment as well as fostering mutual supports among participants also considered as effective components for achieving more happiness that alleviate the depression and anxiety symptoms.