Art Keeps Hope Alive: Art Intervention as a Positive Psychology Tool for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Background:

Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may suffer from a variety of debilitating physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Psychological interventions may reduce the impact of those symptoms, and enhance quality of life. Positive psychology centers on interventions that foster individuals’ resiliency factors. It has been shown to benefit individuals with MS. Art therapy has a unique capacity to mobilize individuals’ strengths and its use may be synergistic with a positive psychology approach; interventions may include artwork created by the therapist that is shared and processed with the patient.

Objectives:

The primary goal of this study was to assess patient acceptability and therapeutic effect of an art therapy intervention, Response Art, incorporated during individual psychotherapy of five individuals with MS.

Methods:

Five individuals with MS engaged in treatment for depression and anxiety participated in the study. The therapist presented each individual with a piece of artwork, created by the therapist, representing an essential resiliency aspect of each patient: Capacity for hope, persistence, generosity, connectedness, and focus. Individuals were invited to share their responses to the art piece at this and subsequent sessions.  

Results:

All subjects were eagerly engaged in the process of exploring the art pieces, reflecting, and sharing their reactions. Subjects showed a high level of behavioral activation and a positive affect during the process. Subjects emphasized elements of the intervention they found helpful, including: permanency of the art object as a reminder of the therapeutic work and their strengths, and enhanced connectedness with the therapist and the treatment process. Patients proactively provided feedback about their reactions towards the artwork.

Conclusions:

Art therapy techniques may enhance the therapeutic benefits of a positive psychology treatment approach for individuals with MS.