Art therapy among palliative cancer patients: Aesthetic dimensions and impacts on symptoms.

Objective: This study aimed to explore whether aesthetic beauty and the pleasure that results from artistic activity can contribute to a reduction in the symptoms experienced by palliative care patients, and to improve the effectiveness of art therapy sessions.

Method: A self-assessment of six symptoms (pain, anxiety, ill-being, tiredness, sadness, and depression) adapted from the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) was completed by patients before and after a one-hour art therapy session. This assessment was completed after the session with a self-assessment of aesthetic feeling. A correlation analysis was then performed.

Results: From July of 2012 to December of 2013, 28 patients took part in 63 art therapy sessions. On the whole, these sessions reduced the global distress of patients by 47% (p < 0.0001). There was a significant reduction in all the symptoms studied; pain (p = 0.003), anxiety (p < 0.0001), ill-being (p < 0.0001), tiredness (p < 0.0001), sadness (p < 0.0001), and depression (p < 0.0001). A study of the significant correlations (0.35 < rs < 0.52, p < 0.05) indicated that technical satisfaction, aesthetic beauty, and pleasure are all involved to varying degrees in reduction of symptoms.

Significance Of Results: Our findings confirm the benefits of art therapy in reducing distress within the palliative context. We also make suggestions for the future direction and improvement of these sessions.