The Effects of Group Art Therapy on Old Adults' Powerlessness, Loneliness, Depression and Self-image

집단미술요법의 노인의 무력감, 고독감, 우울, 자아상에 미치는 효과

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of group art therapy on old adults' powerlessness, loneliness. depression and self-image (for 55-year old or older people). Method: An experimental group of 10 persons were given group art therapy for 1 hour per week for 8 weeks. Results: The result of this study showed that group art therapy is effective in decreasing older adults' powerlessness (p<0.05) and their loneliness and depression (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the score of loneliness (p>0.05). A tree test was executed to analyze self-image change. and the result of the tree test showed a significant change in the tree shape. which mean a significant positive change in self-image. Conclusions: The scores of older adults' powerlessness, loneliness and depression were lowered by the group art therapy. Therefore it is thought that group art therapy program was an effective intervention for improving older adults' quality of life. Thus, this study suggests to apply group art therapy as a supportive nursing intervention in order to manage powerlessness, loneliness, depression and self-image in old low-income adults.