Constructing and reconstructing life for depressed individuals: fostering positive spirituality in Clay Art Making

Abstract

BACKGROUND Depression creates huge socioeconomic problems globally and will become the most serious cause of disability in 2030 (WHO, 2008). Medical interventions predominate treatment of depression but multiple impairments urge to treat depression holistically. Being a core component of holistic health, spirituality remains under researched and cared for in depressed individuals. Spirituality emerges in clay-work of art therapy as its constant construction and reconstruction processes resemble rich life experiences. Clay-work transcends spirituality in the dimensions of making meaning, reconstructing life view, and enhancing resilience to adversity in life. This study aims to evaluate the effects of clay-work on spirituality for depressed patients which has rarely been reported in the literature. METHODS 50 participants with diagnosed depression were recruited into clay-work group from outpatient clinics on convenience basis, for six 2.5 hours weekly sessions. Intervention efficacy was measured by the Spirituality Well-being Inventory (SWBI) Tranquility, Disorientation and Resilience Subscales, with each corresponded dimensions of spirituality imbedded in clay-work. Data were collected at baseline, end of treatment (T1) and three weeks after (T2). RESULTS Results of repeated measures MANCOVA showed significant combined effect of clay-work on the SWBI Subscales, indicated by Pillai’s Trace [F(6, 46) = 5.138, p = .000]. Participants had increase of scores in Tranquility Subscale from baseline (M=17.60, SD=9.76) to T2 (M=22.28, SD=10.01), p < .000. The change from baseline to T3 (M=22.04, SD=10.83) was significant, p < .000. There was drop of scores in Disorientation Subscale from baseline (M=29.72, SD=10.33) to T2 (M=25.09, SD=10.06), p < .05. The change from baseline to T3 (M=24.63, SD=11.80) was maintained, p < .000. The increase of scores in Resilience Subscale from baseline (M=15.00, SD=7.51) to T2 (M=16.94, SD=6.40) was insignificant, p > .05 but the change from baseline to T3 (M=17.77, SD=5.50) was significant, p < .01. CONCLUSION The results suggest clay-work can enhance positive spirituality that benefits holistic health for depressed patients. The mechanisms of the therapy is worthy of further investigation.