Art Therapy to Deal with Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Psychological Wellbeing Among School Children

Abstract

The study conducted by Ms. Anita Khosla and Pooja Sharma at G.D. Goenka Public School Dwarka explores the effectiveness of art-based therapy in addressing anxiety, depression, stress, and psychological well-being among school children aged 8 to 18 years. It highlights the growing concern of mental health issues among children globally and suggests that traditional verbal therapies may not always be effective for younger populations. Instead, art therapy, which enables creative expression and non-verbal communication of emotions, is identified as a valuable intervention. In the study, 50 students participated in a pre- and post-intervention research design, utilizing the Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scale (ADSS) and the Ryff Scale of Psychological Well-Being to measure outcomes. The intervention consisted of four sessions that focused on emotional awareness, managing negative emotions, and relaxation techniques, such as mandala art. Findings indicated that art therapy significantly reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among participants, while improving their psychological well-being. The study concluded that art therapy is an effective method for enhancing mental health among school children.