Art as Therapy: The Role of Creative Activities in Reducing Anxiety and Depression

This study explores the role of art therapy, particularly drawing therapy, in enhancing mental health and reducing behavioral issues among adolescents. Art therapy, integrating visual and auditory artistic materials, serves as a therapeutic tool for identity development, emotional expression, and the mitigation of psychological disorders. By employing a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design with control and experimental groups, this research evaluates the effects of art therapy on the mental health of ۳۰ second-grade high school female students in Tehran. Participants in the experimental group engaged in an ۸-week drawing therapy intervention aimed at improving psychological well-being and social adjustment. Data was gathered using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-۲۱), and the Health Status Questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including multivariate covariance analysis, demonstrated significant improvements in psychological health and interpersonal relationships for the experimental group compared to the control group. The findings underscore the potential of art therapy as a non-invasive approach for fostering emotional resilience and reducing symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and aggression in adolescents.

کلیدواژه ها:

Art therapy ، Mental health ، Children ، Creativity ، Self-expression