Art therapy for patients diagnosed with personality disorders cluster B/C: A thematic analysis of emotion regulation from patient and art therapist perspectives

Abstract

This study examined the explanation for the found causal relationship between art therapy and positive therapeutic effects, in a previously conducted randomised controlled trial (RCT) with personality disorders cluster B/C. In-depth interviews were used to collect the data, in order to examine the experience without preconceived notions or expectations. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data to generate and interpret themes. Eight patients who participated in the RCT intervention were asked to evaluate their experiences with art media highlighting emotion regulation and Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) levels. Also three art therapists were asked to evaluate the artwork made by these participants. Thematic analysis resulted in five themes. These results suggested that through the targeted use of art assignments, material handling, and preferred approaches to art process and ETC levels, patients experienced, shaped and shared emotions not previously wilfully encountered. The therapeutic effects were explained by combined specific art therapy factors linked to the art media. These factors were reported by participants as evoking and helping them understand and regulate internal images and emotions. Results suggested that art therapy encourages a present-focused awareness and stimulates emotional processes evoked by material interaction.