The Effectiveness of Art Therapy as a Source of Rehabilitation

Despite the increasing use of art therapy over the past two decades, questions remain about its\u27 effectiveness as a therapeutic tool. Art therapy is discussed as it relates to Symbolic Interactionist theories, Goffman\u27s Impression Management theory, Silver\u27s Cognitive approach, Oster and Gould\u27s Group Treatment approach, and ALfred Adler\u27s theory of art therapy. Empirical studies reviewed indicate that art therapy, in combination with psychoanalysis, is an effective means of enhancing an individual\u27s psychological well-being, particularly those experiencing depress, psychosis, and low self-esteem. Since the effectiveness of art therapy is assumed but largely intested, a study is proposed that will determine the effectiveness of art therapy independent of the effect of psychoanalysis. It is recommended that future research in art therapy employ more rigorous experimental controls, including the use of pre- and post-test designs and the measurement of long-term effects, to assess the eficacy of art therapy