Feasibility and efficacy of art therapy for Japanese cancer patients: A pilot study

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of art therapy for Japanese patients with cancer of the blood and bone marrow, to determine the efficacy on mood and spiritual well-being, and to record comments on the art. The subjects were 7 patients with stable disease who were recruited by a primary physician. In the first session of art therapy, the patients talked about their diseases and then made art to express their emotions. In the second session, they also made art. Drawing, colored pencils, collage, and pastels were used in both sessions and the patients commented on their art. The POMS (Profile of Mood Scale) and FACIT-Sp (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual) were used to measure mood and spiritual well-being, respectively. POMS Depression and Fatigue scores tended to decrease after art therapy, while FACIT-Sp scores did not change and were standard for cancer patients. The explanations of the art reflected expressions of desire in the first session and hopes for the future in the second session. These results suggest that art therapy can decrease depression and fatigue in Japanese cancer patients, and promote expression of emotions, desires, and hopes with understanding of the seriousness of the disease.

► The efficacy of art therapy was examined in a pilot study in seven cancer patients.
► Art therapy was effective for improving mood in these patients.
► The first session of art therapy promoted expression of desires.
► A second session promoted expression of hopes and plans for the futures.
► Art therapy also promoted recognition of the seriousness of the disease.