Reducing State and Trait Anxiety Through Art Therapy in Adolescents with Eating Disorders: Results from a Pilot...

Background: Art therapy is increasingly recognized as a valuable complementary intervention for individuals with eating disorders (EDs), who frequently experience comorbid anxiety and difficulties with emotional regulation. However, few studies have examined its short-term effects on state and trait anxiety within structured clinical settings. Methods: This pilot study involved 19 adolescent females (mean age 17.7 ± 2.1 years) diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN) and admitted to the Mariconda Regional Residence for Eating Disorders (ASL Salerno, Italy) in residential or semi-residential treatment. Participants completed a structured six-week cycle of weekly textile-based art therapy sessions, designed to promote emotional expression and body reconnection. State and trait anxiety levels were assessed pre- and post-session using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyze state anxiety changes; a linear mixed-effects model was applied to trait anxiety. Results: State anxiety significantly decreased immediately after sessions (p = 0.002). A significant main effect of session (p = 0.01) and a time × session interaction (p = 0.025) indicated variability across sessions. Trait anxiety showed a non-significant trend toward reduction (p = 0.11); however, reductions were significant at sessions 4 (p = 0.015), 5 (p < 0.001), and 6 (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Art therapy may offer immediate reductions in state anxiety and may contribute to a longer-term reduction in trait anxiety with 4-6 sessions. These findings support integrating creative interventions within multidisciplinary ED treatment programs. Future research with larger samples and control groups is needed to confirm and expand upon these preliminary results.