A Systematic Review Using Thematic Synthesis of Arts Therapies Therapeutic Actions and Perceived Benefits in the Treatment of People with a Diagnosis of Cluster B Personality Disorder

The objective of this study was to thematically synthesize literature about arts therapies specific in-session therapeutic actions occurring with this client population and the perceived effect of engaging in arts therapies. Using systematic review methods, qualitative and mixed method studies, reporting on arts therapies treatment for people with a diagnosis of personality disorder (Cluster B) were searched in Embase, Medline, PubMed and grey sources until June 2017. The search yielded 167 records. 32 studies were included in the analysis. Data synthesis was conducted by using extracts from the literature search which were coded and then subject to a thematic analysis and synthesis. The codes were then discussed and agreed by the research team. The thematic analysis and synthesis resulted in seven overarching themes: (1) Processing interpersonal experiences (2) Processing emotions (3) Developing agency (4) Symbolising (5) Structuring experience (6) Cognitive reappraisal (7) Developing a shared experience. This thematic synthesis provides some evidence that according to the arts therapies literature available regarding patients with a diagnosis of personality disorder, there are thematic similarities in terms of primary areas of therapeutic action and the relationship between the therapeutic action and the perceived effects of engaging in arts therapies. Our findings suggest that literature about in-session therapeutic actions focus mostly on processing interpersonal experiences and the largest frequency of coded excerpts concerning the perceived effect of engaging in arts therapies was in the area of processing emotions

Arts therapies: theory, practice and effects

Congress Theme: Diversity in Harmony: Insights from PsychologyArts therapies are therapies in which art, dance, drama and music is used in order achieve personal and social therapeutic goals appropriate for the individual. The use of the art media make it possible to approach the client in a non-verbal and low profile way. The emphasize is on doing, action methods, and the experience in the moment of action. This emphasis seems especially appropriate for persons with psychiatric problems, dementia, intellectual disabilities or brain damage, but also persons with a tendency to rationalize. The research in this field is still young, but promising. In randomized controlled trials, effects on psychosocial functioning and quality of life were shown among several patients groups and in experimental studies theoretical assumptions were tested. In this session, researchers on arts therapies will give an overview of the state of the art of the working factors and effects of these therapies. Discussant: Susan van Hoore

Evaluation of an Arts Therapies Approach to Team Development for Non-Acute Healthcare Teams in Low Control and High-Pressure Environments

Data Availability: Data will be made available on request.Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Healthcare teams that experience substantial and multiple pressures and lack team social support are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, and ultimately problems with staff retention and patient care. A team development arts therapies approach was developed and piloted to address this issue. Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance was used to design a mixed methods evaluation of the programme following the acute phase of COVID-19 pandemic. Two outcome measures were administered, and a qualitative open text survey underwent thematic analysis. We recruited 92 participants for the evaluation; 90 completed the open text survey and 42 participants completed the outcome measures. The qualitative analysis produced the following themes: Getting to Know the Team in a Meaningful Way; Creative Expression and Reflection; Communicating and Processing Difficult Feelings and Resistances; More Time For Processing; Practical Problems with Whole Team Engagement; Difficulty Engaging in Creative Exercises; Inclusivity and Equality; Psychological Safety. Quantitative results were significant with indications of changes to team social systems. The results of our study show good accessibility, acceptability and effectiveness.NoCLOR (Grant ref CNWL 2021SG016)