A Review of the Effectiveness, Feasibility, and Acceptability of Art Therapy for Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Minh Ngoc Le Vu
Anh Linh Do
Laurent Boyer
Quy Chi Tran
Stefan Kohler
Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed
Andreea Molnar
Tung Son Vu
Nhan Trong Huynh Vo
Linh Mai Vu Nguyen
Linh Gia Vu
Vu Anh Trong Dam
Thomy Duong
Dan Linh Nguyen Do
Ngoc Minh Do
Roger S Mclntyre
Carl Latkin
Roger Chun Man Ho
Cyrus Su Hui Ho

Publication Date

9-15-2022

Journal

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Abstract

Art therapy has been widely offered to reduce symptoms of psychological disturbance. Pooled evidence about its effectiveness in epidemic contexts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been yet established. This study reviewed the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of art therapy on children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and past epidemics. We searched PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), and CINAHL for articles on art therapy during COVID-19. Included studies reported improvements in measures of mental health, sleep quality, and psychological well-being in children with or without disabilities in the epidemic context. Results also showed that art therapy was highly feasible and accepted by children and adolescents as well as their families during epidemics in reviewed studies. Art therapy can be effective at improving various aspects of mental health, sleep quality, and psychological well-being. More empirical evidence is needed with larger sample sizes and longer duration of interventions.

Keywords

Adolescent, Art Therapy, COVID-19, Child, Feasibility Studies, Humans, Mental Health, Pandemics