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Arts Interventions for Children Coping With Cancer and Other Adversities
Abstract

Arts Interventions for Children Coping With Cancer and Other Adversities

Girija Kaimal
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, v 64(10), S375
Oct 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2025.07.861

Abstract

Objectives Children and youth do not often have the words or inclination to express themselves verbally in therapy. Art therapy is a regulated mental health profession that can help youth communicate and process adverse experiences, thereby integrating adaptive choices into their developmental trajectory. Methods Two studies were conducted: 1) a 4-session observational study on the outcomes of open studio art therapy in a pediatric hematology (hem) and oncology (onc) setting; and 2) evaluation of arts-based psychosocial support for children and youth living in global contexts of poverty and violence. Results Initial findings from the studies indicate trends of improved psychosocial outcomes for children and youth. The sample included 17 pediatric hem/onc patients; 10 participants chose to engage in art therapy and 7 chose treatment as usual. Participants were asked to complete various psychosocial/quality-of-life measures across multiple time points as well as a demographics form. There was a marginally significant effect for positive affect, such that participants in the treatment group had higher scores for positive affect at session 4 compared to those in the control group (U = 54.50, p = .055). Results of Wilcoxon signed-rank tests demonstrated significant improvements in child-reported state and trait anxiety, positive affect, total symptoms, distress, and quality of life from pre- to posttreatment (all p < .05). Negative affect decreased from pre- to posttreatment, but the change was not significant. Additionally, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed significant pre- to postsession changes in child-reported total symptoms and distress (p < .05). A qualitative evaluation of arts-based psychosocial support indicated that children coped with adversities and engaged better with school when given safe spaces to express their experiences. The adaptive coping facilitated by creative self-expression in turn helped parents’ and teachers’ own well-being and their ability to better support the youth in school and at home. Conclusions Arts-based approaches that offer opportunities for authentic multisensory and self-directed expression improve the health and well-being of children and youth living in contexts of distress. The outcomes also have ripple effects in promoting the well-being of parents and caregivers in the lives of the youth.

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Web of Science research areas
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Psychology, Developmental
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