Art Therapy: A Creative Path to Alleviate Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

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Page: 563-569

Raghavendra G Manoje¹, Akash K. M.², Suman Grigary Thomas³, and Shanmukh V. Kamble⁴ (Department of Psychology, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnatak^1,2,4 and Department of Psychology, REVA University, Bangalore, Karnatak³)

Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and stress, are pervasive and debilitating, affecting millions worldwide. Despite the availability of conventional treatments such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, barriers such as limited access, high costs, and treatment resistance highlight the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Art therapy, an expressive and non-verbal therapeutic modality, has gained recognition as a promising intervention for alleviating these mental health conditions. This study investigates the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among postgraduate students, a population particularly susceptible to academic and personal pressures. The research employed a pre-test and post-test experimental design, utilizing the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to measure changes in participants’ mental health. Over three weeks, the experimental group engaged in daily art therapy sessions focusing on themes like self-acceptance, autonomy, and personal growth, while a control group received no intervention. Results revealed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress scores in the experimental group compared to the control group. These findings align with existing literature, demonstrating art therapy’s ability to foster emotional expression, reduce physiological markers of stress, and enhance psychological well-being. This study underscores the potential of art therapy as a creative and accessible mental health intervention, particularly in academic settings. By offering a structured yet flexible medium for self-expression and emotional processing, art therapy can play a crucial role in supporting students’ mental health and resilience. Future research should explore its long-term efficacy and broader applications across diverse populations.