Effects of Nature-Based Group Art Therapy Programs on Stress, Self-Esteem and Changes in Electroencephalogram (EEG) in Non-Disabled Siblings of Children with Disabilities

Soo-Ji Kang, Hyon-Suh Kim and Kwang-Hyun Baek
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Soo-Ji Kang: Department of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Hyon-Suh Kim: Ewha Child & Youth Development Center, Ansan-si 15541, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Kwang-Hyun Baek: Department of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-10

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in brain waves, stress, and self-esteem after a continuous eight-week nature-based art therapy program in the forest in non-disabled siblings of children with disabilities. A total of 29 participants participated in this study (art therapy program group, n = 18; control group, n = 11). The art therapy program group received eight weekly sessions of art therapy lasting 60 min each. Pre- and post-test results showed positive changes in the brain function index and stress levels of the participants in the art therapy program group. On the self-esteem scale, overall and social self-esteem increased significantly. In conclusion, creative activities in the forest can increase resistance to diseases through mechanisms that relieve stress and increase self-esteem. If art therapy that emphasizes somatosensory experience, creative expression, and self-motivation is accompanied by forest activities, this combined intervention can elicit positive physical and psychological changes.

Keywords: art therapy; forest therapy; disability; EEG; stress; natural environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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