Psychological Effects of Art Therapy on Children with Cancer

Background: Art therapy is an effective form of psychotherapy that employs creative expression to foster emotional healing, self-discovery and personal growth, involving the encouragement of free self-expression through listening to music or playing music, painting, drawing, or modelling, used as remedial or diagnostic activity. By integrating diverse art forms, art therapists offer a distinctive engaging means for clients to communicate their inner thoughts and emotions. Art therapy encompasses a wide range of applications that cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups. We performed a scoping review, describing different art therapy interventions effects on children affected by cancer. Methodology: The methodology involved conducting a comprehensive search on PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant articles. The inclusion criteria comprised (i) studies focusing on children with cancer who were undergoing treatments and engaging in diverse forms of art therapy, (ii) articles written in English. Results: The data presented in the table consistently demonstrates that art therapy, incorporating a variety of creative techniques, is the primary and effective intervention for children undergoing cancer treatment. Numerous studies indicate that art therapy positively impacts the emotional well-being and overall quality of life for these young patients facing different forms of cancer. The incorporation of various creative approaches, including drawing, music therapy, and crafting, offers young patients effective means of emotional expression, coping, and overall well-being. Conclusion: Art therapy emerges as a highly effective and widely utilized intervention for children undergoing cancer treatment. Multiple studies demonstrate the positive impact of art therapy on the emotional well-being, anxiety levels, and overall quality of life for young patients facing various types of cancer. These findings underscore the importance of integrating art therapy into pediatric oncology care, as it provides essential emotional support, coping mechanisms, and opportunities for self-expression during the challenging medical journey.