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

Change, Adversity, and Adaptation: Young People's Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic Expressed through Artwork and Semi-Structured Interviews

This study explores how young people's mental health was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic using artwork and semi-structured interviews. The mental health impacts of the pandemic are important to understand so that policy and practice professionals can support those affected, prepare and respond to future crises, and support young people who are isolated and restricted in other contexts. Co-designed participatory art workshops and interviews were conducted with 16-18-year-olds (n = 21, 62% female) from the London-based Longitudinal cohort Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones (SCAMP). Artworks and interview transcripts were qualitatively co-and analysed with young people. From interviews, six themes were identified: adaptation, restriction, change, challenges, overcoming adversity, and lockdown life. From the artwork, four themes were identified: trapped, negative mental wellbeing, positive emotions, and technology. Everyday factors such as home environment, social support, hobbies, habits, and online education were key determinants of how challenged and restricted participants felt, and their capacity to overcome this. This demonstrates the importance of wider (social and environmental) determinants and supports a systems-level public health approach to young people's mental health. For example, young people's mental health services should collaborate with other sectors to address such determinants in a holistic way. Clearer guidance and support with occupation, relationships, environment, routine and activities could mitigate the negative mental health impacts of major environmental changes on young people.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Adolescents With Chronic Medical Conditions: Findings From a German Pediatric Outpatient Clinic

PURPOSE

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of adolescents is of great concern, especially in the vulnerable group of adolescents with chronic medical conditions. The aim of this study was to examine this impact on the mental health of adolescents with chronic medical conditions treated in a German pediatric outpatient clinic.

METHODS

Changes in the mental health status of adolescents with chronic medical conditions treated in a German pediatric outpatient clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic were explored via validated screening tools for anxiety and depression.

RESULTS

The relative risk for adolescents with chronic medical conditions to develop clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety or depression was significantly higher (odds ratio 1,78 [confidence interval 1.06-3.04]) during the pandemic.

DISCUSSION

This study identifies the COVID-19 pandemic as a potential additional risk for adolescents with chronic medical conditions to develop clinically relevant signs of anxiety or depression.

Online art therapy pilot in the Western Isles of Scotland: a feasibility and acceptability study of a novel service in a rural community

Introduction

Art therapy, despite being an evidence-based, safe and acceptable intervention, is not widely available to clients in Scotland. Online delivery has the potential to expand the reach and accessibility, but special considerations need to be given to designing successful online art therapy services, due to the unique emphasis on the role of an image and artmaking alongside the therapeutic relationship.

Methods

A pilot online art therapy service was developed and delivered in the Western Isles of Scotland to individual adult clients wishing to increase their psychological wellbeing. This research aimed to assess feasibility and acceptability of the novel service, identify enablers and challenges in setting up and delivering the service, explore participants' expectations and experiences of art therapy and identify any impacts of the service. Mixed-method evaluation incorporated questionnaires, focus groups, interviews and Audio Image Recordings (AIRs). Findings were grouped into themes across several key areas: service setup, research procedures, intervention design and impacts and insights. Recommendations were developed for the first three areas and the last section presents indications of change and gives voice to client experience primarily.

Results

Online art therapy was described by clients as a judgement-free zone which allowed freedom to experiment, express, feel and immerse themselves in the creative flow. Other benefits included readiness to accept emotions, increased understanding of self and others and being able to see things from a new perspective. Clients recognised the unique nature of art therapy in relation to other psychological treatments and valued the freedom of expression it offered, including the non-verbal.

Discussion

This project demonstrated that online art therapy is not only a feasible an acceptable intervention, but potentially also a powerfully impactful one, capable of instilling a positive change in a surprisingly short period of time. Exploring ways to expand current and introduce new art therapy services is highly recommended. Refinement of an intervention design, tools and research procedures is recommended through further feasibility studies of a larger scale.

Psychosocial Problems Among Primary School Children in Thailand During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary school children are particularly vulnerable as restriction measures have caused a huge impact on their health and well-being. This study aims to assess the prevalence of mental health among primary school children in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify factors associated with psychosocial problems.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 701 Thai parents of primary school children from January to March 2022 - when teaching modalities between onsite and online learning were alternated. Parents were requested to assess the mental health of their youngest child at primary school age level. Psychosocial problems were measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) with a total score of 40, based on 4 domains (emotion, behavior, hyperactivity, and relationship). Independent variables included (1) parental/household factors, (2) children characteristics, and (3) online learning-related issues. The dependent variable was the prevalence of children with a total score of 14-40, which indicates at risk and/or having mental health problems. The analysis was performed using logistic regression model.

Results

Thai parents reported that 41.1% of children had psychosocial problems. Children in a single-parent family (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-2.8), male children (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2-2.4), and children who did not receive adequate assistance for online learning from their parents (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1-4.0) significantly faced greater odds of mental health problems.

Conclusion

The prevalence of Thai primary school children confronting psychosocial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic increased, with significant concern. Public health interventions that aim to protect the mental health of primary school children during the pandemic should be introduced and targeted male children and those living with a single parent. Social support that facilitates online learning for children whose parents have limited capacity in supporting them should be implemented.