PROJECTA: An Art-Based Tool in Trauma Treatment.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Art Therapy
• Mental Health

Background:

• Artistic images possess universal emotional potential applicable in therapeutic settings.
• Aesthetic studies highlight the mobilizing power of art for personal narrative and healing.
• Trauma and difficult emotional states often require specialized therapeutic tools for expression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate the PROJECTA instrument for the therapeutic use of artistic images.
• To establish associations between art images and emotions related to traumatic experiences.
• To create a resource for approaching trauma and difficult conditions in therapy.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach with sequential qualitative-then-quantitative (QUAL → quan) design.
• Phase 1: Systematic literature review.
• Phase 2: Validation of artworks and associated emotions through focus groups, interviews, and online questionnaires with students, art therapists, psychologists, and educators.

Main Results:

• A set of 220 artistic images linked to emotional states was initially proposed by experts.
• Online questionnaire validation with 228 participants achieved over 80% consensus for 64.55% of images.
• Finally, 92 artistic works were linked to primary, secondary, and tertiary emotions, with some images noted for their polysemy.

Conclusions:

• PROJECTA is a validated visual art therapy tool.
• It assists professionals in identifying, expressing, and demonstrating emotions linked to trauma.
• The instrument is beneficial in challenging situations involving vulnerability, psychological discomfort, or post-traumatic stress.