A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence on Art Therapy With Traumatized Refugee Children and Youth

Abstract

The current global refugee crisis revealed that refugee children, youth, and adults are uniquely vulnerable to traumatic events. Yet, there are only a few studies available that report robust systematic data on art therapy interventions with mental health in recent refugee populations. The purpose of the study is to synthesize and evaluate (a) the available research evidence on the use of art therapy in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) levels in refugees, and (b) the quality of empirical evidence for each of the reviewed studies. The authors adopted the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) evidence-based practice (EBP) standards and quality indicators to evaluate the methodological soundness of the reviewed studies and the evidence-based classification of art therapy as a treatment intervention. We systematically searched electronic databases of pertinent review articles for the period from 2010 to 2020 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Systematic searches identified 70 research articles but yielded eight eligible journals as per the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that, though considered a promising treatment approach, art therapy is presently classified as an intervention that falls under the category of practice with insufficient evidence. The findings suggest the need for further methodologically sound experimental studies to strengthen the evidence behind art therapy as an intervention to reduce PTSD symptoms in refugees around the world.

Clinician and academic perspectives on expressive arts therapy for refugee children and families: a qualitative study

“…Existing therapies for refugee children included group and individual therapy as well as arts-based approaches and school-based therapy (Annous, 2021;Moula et al, 2020).…”

“…Arts-based approaches create a safe space and comfortable environment for refugee clients to open up. In addition, the use of art instead of the more traditional "talk therapy" helps to overcome both language and cultural barriers and destigmatizes seeking mental health services (Annous, 2021;Moula et al, 2020). This adds to the existing literature that has shown that arts-based approaches are effective forms of therapy for refugee children and allow for the child to work through their trauma: "Storytelling in art therapy acts as a method of unification allowing refugees to express, explore and make meaning of their traumatic experiences" (Akthar and Lovell, 2019, p. 144).…”

A systematic review of dramatherapy interventions used to alleviate emotional distress and support the well‐being of children and young people aged 8–18 years old

“…In four studies (26%), dramatherapy was delivered to groups wherein the participants had experienced a shared traumatic experience such as abuse or displacement. Shared adversity is also the focus of a recent review of art therapy (Annous et al., 2022 ) for traumatized refugee CYPs. The review, within which all studies relate to groups, concludes that art therapy is a “promising treatment approach” in this area (Annous et al., 2022 , p. 1).…”

“…Shared adversity is also the focus of a recent review of art therapy (Annous et al., 2022 ) for traumatized refugee CYPs. The review, within which all studies relate to groups, concludes that art therapy is a “promising treatment approach” in this area (Annous et al., 2022 , p. 1). These findings may suggest that a shared or common experience within a group is a useful component of effective arts therapy and more research in the area is warranted.…”