Background of the Study
Art therapy, as a therapeutic approach, utilizes creative expression such as painting, drawing, and sculpture to facilitate emotional release, improve mental well-being, and promote psychological healing. In the context of depression, a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest, and reduced cognitive function, art therapy has been shown to provide a non-verbal outlet for individuals to express and process emotions that are difficult to articulate (Moore & Liddle, 2023).
Depression is a common and growing mental health challenge, with a significant impact on individuals’ personal, social, and professional lives. At Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, there is a rising prevalence of depression among patients, but treatment options are often limited to pharmacological interventions and traditional psychotherapy. Art therapy, as a complementary treatment modality, holds promise for providing a more holistic and creative approach to managing depression, especially when integrated alongside conventional therapies (Adams et al., 2024).
Statement of the Problem
While conventional treatments for depression, such as medication and psychotherapy, are widely used, there is a growing need to explore additional, less conventional therapeutic approaches, such as art therapy, to enhance treatment outcomes. In Abakaliki, the use of art therapy has not been systematically studied for its effect on patients with depression.
This gap in research limits the adoption and integration of art therapy into mental health treatment practices. The study aims to examine the effectiveness of art therapy in alleviating depressive symptoms and improving overall patient well-being at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing depressive symptoms in patients at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
2. To evaluate the impact of art therapy on patients' emotional expression and self-awareness.
3. To explore patients' perceptions of art therapy as part of their mental health treatment.
Research Questions
1. How does art therapy affect depressive symptoms in patients?
2. In what ways does art therapy facilitate emotional expression and self-awareness?
3. What are patients' perceptions of art therapy in the treatment of depression?
Research Hypotheses
1. Art therapy significantly reduces depressive symptoms among patients.
2. Art therapy enhances emotional expression and self-awareness in patients with depression.
3. Patients perceive art therapy positively as part of their treatment.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on patients diagnosed with depression and participating in art therapy at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, between 2023 and 2025. Data will be gathered using pre-and post-intervention assessments of depressive symptoms and patient interviews. Limitations include potential subjectivity in interpreting creative works and the challenge of controlling for other therapeutic interventions.
Definitions of Terms
• Art Therapy: A therapeutic approach using creative arts such as drawing and painting to express emotions and foster psychological healing.
• Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest in daily activities, and impaired functioning.
• Emotional Expression: The ability to convey feelings or emotions, often through non-verbal means such as art.
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