The Effect of Art Therapy on Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Breast Cancer Survivors

The Effect of Group Art Therapy on Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Breast Cancer Survivors Receiving Hormonal Therapy

Art Therapy is a health profession in which art making is utilized as a means of expression and communication within a therapeutic and supportive relationship [1]. Art therapy has been shown to reduce psychological (anxiety, negative mood) and physical (pain, fatigue) symptoms which accompany many breast cancer patients and survivors [2-7]. Qualitative studies provide an initial understanding of the mechanisms through which art therapy facilitates symptom reduction [8]. Breast cancer patients have reported that art therapy provided them with access to emotional material otherwise inaccessible [9]. The goal of this study is to examine the effect of art making within a therapeutic framework on emotional awareness and acceptance.

Inclusion Criteria:

Adult women (over age 18), breast cancer survivors without evidence of active illness, hebrew speaking and receiving preventative hormonal therapy for at least 6 months (steady state), receiving care at the survivor's clinic of Davidoff Medical Center

Exclusion Criteria:

A psychiatric diagnosis requiring medication, functional difficulties that affect the ability to handle art supplies, non-hebrew speaking, unwilling to answer the research questionnaires