Conference Proceedings

2011 BPS Annual Conference

Conference Venue: Marriott Hotel, Glasgow
British Psychological Society

From: 04 May 2011
To: 06 May 2011

 
Poster(s)

Arts therapies in the treatment of depression

Ania Zubala
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh


Objectives: While ‘global burden’ of depression is being spoken of, arts therapies might present a relevant treatment option. Although there is evidence that arts therapies are used extensively with depression, the range and effectiveness of these interventions still remain unclear. This poster illustrates the early findings of a research which aims to provide answers to the two core questions: How do arts therapists in the UK work with adults faced with depression? Are arts therapies effective in the treatment of depression?
Design: The research combines sequential and concurrent mixed methods procedures, taking both from quantitative and qualitative paradigms to offer best possible understanding and suggest solutions. The study consists of two phases. Firstly, a survey among arts therapists is followed by case studies, which shape the second phase, where people with depression become the participants in a clinical trial. Qualitative data is embedded within generally quantitative design.
Methods: Phase I: All arts therapists registered in the UK are invited to complete the questionnaire and four therapeutic settings (one for each arts therapies discipline) take part in semi-structured interviews and observation. Phase II: Four groups of five to eight clients diagnosed with depression participate in a pilot study, measuring (using BDI-II) the level of depression before and after arts therapeutic interventions, lasting 12 weeks.
Results: First results are to be known by the end of 2011. Both stages of the research are planned to be completed by Spring 2013.
Conclusions: The findings are predicted to have practical implications in clinical practice of arts therapists and other professionals interested in the treatment of depression.