Museum-Based Art Therapy Program in the Chronic Phase of Stroke: A Feasibility Pilot Study

Abstract

This pilot study evaluated feasibility (retention/adherence) of a 7-visit museum-based art therapy intervention (1-hour guided artworks visit followed by a 2-hour workshop), for 7 chronic stroke survivors and investigated its impact on their psychosocial well-being (depression/self-esteem/body image/community integration). Pre/post-intervention, questionnaires were used to assess the psychological variables and post-intervention, semi-structured individual interviews and a focus group were conducted. The findings showed that the intervention was feasible, with a retention of 77% and adherence of 84%. Participants reported positive effects of the intervention on psychosocial variables such as self-esteem and mood but less so on body image. Clinical implications include initial evidence of the feasibility and potential benefits of a museum-based art therapy intervention in improving post-stroke psychosocial well-being.