Publication

Long-Term Art Therapy Clinical Interventions with Military Service Members with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress:

Abstract
Art therapy has been found to help veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. There is however limited scholarship on the differences in outcomes based on dosage (short-term vs. long-term treatment) especially for active duty military service members (SMs). This mixed methods program evaluation study examined feedback from SMs on their experiences of art therapy in an integrative medical care center after 3 weeks of group therapy and at the end of treatment (average time of 2 years). Data included participant demographics, feedback surveys and narrative responses from SMs experiences of art therapy. The results indicate that longer-term art therapy resulted in improved perceived outcomes compared with the short-term 3-week intervention. SMs with longer time in service reported the most improved self-reported outcomes. Women SMs expressed more positive emotions during their art making. Specific themes that were effectively addressed through art therapy included frustration tolerance, grief and loss, emotion regulation, personal insight, resiliency, and trauma processing. SMs also highlighted the unique and transformative role of the relationship with the therapist in alleviation of symptoms. The findings suggest benefits to long-term art therapy including improved ability in SMs to be aware of their symptoms and communicate effectively with others.
(External link) Read "Long-Term Art Therapy Clinical Interventions with Military Service Members with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress:"
Authors:
Kaimal, G., Jones, J.P., Dieterich-Hartwell, R.M., & Wang, X.
Publication Date:
2021
Publisher:
Military Psychology (Impact factor = 1.36)
Volume/Issue/Pages:
33(1), 29-40
Population Studied:
Service members in treatment at an integrative medical care center, N=222
Treatment:
Art therapy in an integrative medical care center
Study Design:
Mixed methods program evaluation
Measures:
Participant demographics, feedback surveys and narrative responses from SMs experiences of art therapy