RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL INVESTIGATING THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ART INTERVENTION ON EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING IN INDIAN ADOLESCENT CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction:
Art therapy (AT) is a widely used therapeutic approach for children and adolescents facing psychosocial challenges, employing artistic materials and creative processes facilitated by an art therapist to alleviate emotional difficulties. While positive outcomes have been reported, the specific elements of AT contributing to these benefits remain uncertain. Indian adolescents often encounter significant psychosocial stressors affecting their emotional well-being. This study aims to evaluate the impact of art therapy on the emotional well-being of Indian adolescents and to identify the most effective components of AT.

Methods:
This randomized controlled trial included 50-60 Indian adolescents aged 13-17 years. Participants were randomly assigned to Group A (art therapy intervention) or Group B (control group, no intervention). Group A received art therapy sessions twice a week for eight weeks. Emotional well-being was assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Child Behavior Checklist (6-18 years). Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests to compare changes in emotional well-being between the two groups. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Results:
Participants who received art therapy showed significant improvements in emotional functioning compared to the control group. The data revealed a notable enhancement in emotional well-being among adolescents undergoing the art therapy intervention, indicating its effectiveness in addressing psychosocial challenges.

Conclusion:
Art therapy effectively improves emotional well-being in Indian adolescent school children. The significant improvements observed suggest that creative expression can be a valuable therapeutic tool in this population. Further research is recommended to investigate the long-term effects and mechanisms of AT. Integrating art therapy into school-based interventions may serve as a promising strategy for enhancing adolescent mental health in India.