A Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of Art Therapy upon Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Schnitzer, G., Holttum, S., & Huet, V. (2021). A Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of Art Therapy upon Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. International Journal of Art Therapy, 26(4), 147–160.

Art therapy has a long history in the work with trauma-related difficulties including post-traumatic stress disorder. The current literature review is the largest of its kind summarising 20 research papers on the impact of visual art therapy with adult trauma survivors. Themes identified across papers pertained to the impact on symptoms, processing traumatic memories, fostering holistic view of self, and increased well-being/improved self-image. The review showed that some can benefit from art therapy for PTSD with effects shown in most symptom clusters. However, the quality of reviewed articles was poor and the current paper makes recommendations for more rigorously designed research. [Abstract from author]