Group Art Therapy for Older Adult with Depression

Abstract

Older adults with depression tend to be high risk group that might progress to depressive disorder
and suicide. This quasi-experimental research aimed to examine the effect of group art therapy program
on depression and self-esteem in older adults with depression. This researcher program develops
fromBOVORNKITI Art Therapy Model and Rosenberg self-esteem concept. The participants were 24 older
adults, being mind to moderate depressive level, aged 60-79 years. They were randomized 12 into
an experimental group and 12 into a control group. The experimental group received program group art
therapy for 8 sessions, two sessions per week and each sessions held about 90 to 120 minutes.
The control group received standard care. The results were collected by using the Thai Geriatric Depression
Scale and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics included
frequency, percentage and mean. The results of both groups were compared with two-way repeated
measure ANOVA. Bonferronimethod were employed to test multiple comparisons.
The results showed significant difference mean scores of depression and self-esteem between
the experimental group and control group at post-test and 1- month follow-up (p < .001). In the experimental
group, the mean scores of depression and self-esteem at pre-test, post-test and 1-month follow-up
were significantly different (p < .05) Therefore, the group art therapy program is effective in reducing the
depressive symptoms and enhancing self-esteem in older adults with depression. The health personnel
can apply the group art therapy program for the elderly to reduce their depressive symptoms

Keywords

group art therapy program, depressive symptom, self-esteem, older adults with depression