Art after stroke: the qualitative experience of community dwelling stroke survivors in a group art programme

Abstract

The implementation of an arts health programme after stroke made a substantial impact on well-being and QOL. Results from this study are promising and this is a model that warrants rigorous investigation regarding the impact of art on QOL and wellbeing. This study also highlighted the need for community resources to address community re-integration and service provision in the form of age appropriate, activity-based groups for stroke survivors.

Art therapy after stroke: Evidence and a need for further research

“…However, some stroke survivors experience continuing Accepted by The Arts in Psychotherapy, March 2012 14 frustration in using the stroke-affected hand in their art-making (Beesley et al,201). Several studies have reported that art therapy promotes increases in social interaction and social recognition of the stroke survivors' artistic abilities and competence (Beesley et al, 2011;Johnson & Sullivan-Marx, 2006;Kim et al, 2008;Symons et al, 2011;Yaretsky & Levinson, 1996). Emotional benefits include the experiences of pleasure, challenge, achievement, freedom and flow, as well as taking pride in developing artistic skills and artwork (Beesley et al, 2011;Horovitz, 2005;Johnson & Sullivan-Marx, 2006;Symons et al, 20011;Wald, 1999).…”

“…Emotional benefits include the experiences of pleasure, challenge, achievement, freedom and flow, as well as taking pride in developing artistic skills and artwork (Beesley et al, 2011;Horovitz, 2005;Johnson & Sullivan-Marx, 2006;Symons et al, 20011;Wald, 1999). Another recurring finding is that art therapy enables stroke survivors to express their concerns symbolically, discharging feelings of anger, loss and abandonment, and achieving new insights (Beesley, et al 2011;Carmi & Mashiah, 1996;Gonen & Soroker 2000;Horovitz, 2005;Kim et al, 2008;Moon 2009;Sell & Murrey, 2006;Wald 1999;Wilson, 2001). …”

“…Their use of the affected limb improved and some successfully made adaptations to their style, technique or media to accommodate their disabilities. But Beesley et al (2011) described some participants in a group art program as struggling to use the affected limb to their satisfaction, and observed that the cognitive demands of the program also led to some clients withdrawing. Wald (1999) pointed out that a range of accessible techniques such as collage needs to be available to facilitate stroke survivors' participation in art-making, as well as adapted equipment such as large-handled brushes.…”

“…Beesley et al, 2011;Gonen & Soroker, 2000;Horovitz, 2005;Wald, 1999) and needs further enquiry. Reasons for stroke survivors dropping out of art therapy have been offered by some authors (e.g.…”

“…Accepted by The Arts in Psychotherapy, March 2012 13 Finally, a study by Beesley, White, Alston, Sweetapple, and Pollack (2011) explored the meanings of participation in a creative arts program among a small group of stroke survivors. This program was conducted by a fine arts graduate together with staff from a community stroke team.…”