The effects of art therapy interventions on anxiety in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the effects of art therapy on anxiety among children and adolescents.

Methods:

We searched several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase (via Ovid), PsychINFO (through EBSCO), and The Cochrane Library, comprising the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Additionally, Chinese databases such as CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Wan Fang Data were explored from their beginnings until October 22, 2023. Studies that investigated the impact of art therapy on anxiety compared to a control group were included. The methodological quality of these randomized controlled trials was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook’s risk of bias instrument.

Results:

Six studies involving 422 participants were included. The findings indicated a notable decrease in anxiety symptoms due to art therapy, with a Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) of -1.42, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI -2.33, -0.51), p < 0.002. Notably, there was pronounced heterogeneity, as evidenced by Tau² = 1.41, Chi² = 101.19, df = 6, and I² = 94%, with Z = 3.06.

Conclusion:

Art therapy significantly improved the anxiety symptoms of children and adolescents, positioning it as an effective means of treating anxiety.

Keywords:
Anxiety; Children; Adolescents; Art therapy; Meta-analysis

HIGHLIGHTS

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of art therapy on reducing anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents. A comprehensive search was conducted across several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsychINFO, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wan Fang Data, resulting in the inclusion of six studies with a total of 422 participants. The findings demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms through art therapy interventions, with a Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) of -1.42, 95% Confidence Interval (-2.33, -0.51), p < 0.002. This indicates that art therapy is an effective method for treating anxiety in this demographic. Moreover, the analysis revealed that art therapy had a more pronounced effect on state anxiety than on trait anxiety, suggesting that art therapy may be particularly beneficial in helping children and adolescents manage anxiety in specific situations. These insights underscore the importance of integrating art therapy into mental health care, especially for managing anxiety among young individuals, and have significant implications for clinical practice and policy making.