Using arts psychotherapy in psycho-oncology as a means of coping with stress and anxiety

Abstract

Background: Cancer, as well as the accompanying medical treatments, is a source of intense emotional stress. As arts psychotherapies favor the imaginary and symbolic elaboration of the tensions of daily life, as well as a re-appropriation of one's body and personal history, they could play an important role in treatment for patients suffering from cancer. Methods: We present an exploratory study with patients treated in an acute cancer ward or in outpatient settings (total N = 42). They took part in 12 sessions of arts psychotherapy adapted to their physical condition. The evaluation study is based on a mixed-methods design, combining a qualitative and quantitative exploration of stories written under musical induction with a qualitative analysis of a final semi-structured interview. Results: The comparative and multidimensional analysis of the texts documents a significant evolution. Themes of existential importance come out of a phenomenological analysis of the semi-structured interview, and a cross-checking of the texts with the interview points to recurrent categories. Discussion: Our findings are discussed in the light of current practice in psycho-oncology and psycho-traumatology. The specific benefits of arts psychotherapy are analyzed. Conclusion: Arts psychotherapy could become a valuable treatment option within a multidisciplinary bio-psychosocial approach in psycho-oncology, provided that certain precautions are taken.