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THE IMPACT OF VISUAL ART THERAPY ON ANXIETY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Szymon Mizera1, Krzysztof Krysta1
1Department and Clinic of Rehabilitation Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.
Psychiatria Danubina
|September 22, 2025
Summary
Visual art therapy effectively reduces anxiety in adults. This complementary approach offers significant anxiety relief across various formats, from brief sessions to multi-week programs.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Complementary and Integrative Medicine
- Psychological Interventions
Background:
- Anxiety disorders affect one-third of the global population and often resist standard treatments.
- Visual art therapy, utilizing guided creative activities, is an emerging complementary approach for anxiety.
- This review evaluates the efficacy of visual art therapy in reducing anxiety among adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on visual art therapy for anxiety reduction in adults.
- To assess the effectiveness of art-based interventions compared to control conditions.
- To synthesize findings on the impact of visual art therapy on anxiety symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of major scientific databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science) from October 2017 to June 2025.
- Inclusion of 14 RCTs involving 1,686 adults (18-65 years) undergoing visual art therapy (painting, drawing, coloring) versus control groups.
- Analysis of studies reporting anxiety score changes in participants.
Main Results:
- All 14 included trials reported significantly greater anxiety reduction in visual art therapy groups compared to controls.
- Positive anxiety outcomes were observed across diverse art therapy formats, including single sessions and multi-week programs.
- Anxiety scores improved in both clinical and non-clinical adult populations participating in art therapy.
Conclusions:
- Visual art therapy is a strongly supported, effective intervention for reducing adult anxiety symptoms.
- The therapy demonstrates meaningful anxiety reduction across various formats and durations.
- Art therapy serves as a valuable, accessible, integrative approach to anxiety management, complementing standard treatments.
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