Effects of Nature-Based Group Art Therapy Programs on Stress, Self-Esteem and Changes in Electroencephalogram (EEG) in Non-disabled Siblings of Children with Disabilities
The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in brain waves, stress, and self-esteem after a continuous eight-week nature-based art therapy program in the forest in non-disabled siblings of children with disabilities. A total of 29 participants participated in this study (art therapy prog...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-05-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/11/5912 |
| Summary: | The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in brain waves, stress, and self-esteem after a continuous eight-week nature-based art therapy program in the forest in non-disabled siblings of children with disabilities. A total of 29 participants participated in this study (art therapy program group, n = 18; control group, n = 11). The art therapy program group received eight weekly sessions of art therapy lasting 60 min each. Pre- and post-test results showed positive changes in the brain function index and stress levels of the participants in the art therapy program group. On the self-esteem scale, overall and social self-esteem increased significantly. In conclusion, creative activities in the forest can increase resistance to diseases through mechanisms that relieve stress and increase self-esteem. If art therapy that emphasizes somatosensory experience, creative expression, and self-motivation is accompanied by forest activities, this combined intervention can elicit positive physical and psychological changes. |
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| ISSN: | 1661-7827 1660-4601 |