The art of supporting identity following a life-limiting diagnosis: a systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review of art psychotherapy literature explored how art therapy or artmaking may support patient identity after a life-limiting diagnosis. Background: Previous research shows the value of art therapy and artmaking in reducing physical and psychological symptoms at the end-of-life. Recent reports indicated that disruption to identity is a key challenge to this group of individuals. Aims: This systematic review investigated art therapy and artmaking and examined and built upon previous research undertaken with patients facing identity concerns after a terminal diagnosis. Methods: A robust and rigorous framework of criteria (PRISMA), was followed to select and review suitable research papers in order to gain new insights. Results: The results indicate that many patients struggle to cope with a changing identity alongside the demands of a terminal illness. The key findings are threefold: art therapy and artmaking can help maintain or reconstruct a pre-illness identity and art therapy in particular can help enable a positive identity transformation. Conclusions: Art therapy and artmaking hold benefits for positive identity support such as the re-evaluation and reinstatement of pre-illness roles, psychosocial-interventions and adjustment to major life changes. Implications: It is recommended that art therapy and artmaking are offered to terminal patients at diagnosis, in order to support identity concerns promptly and allow patients to focus solely on their quality of life and limited time left. It is anticipated that the findings of this systematic review will be of benefit to patients, healthcare workers, art therapists and others within the palliative care community.