Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy and Its Applications in Cancer Treatment

Mindfulness-based art therapy substantially supports positive cancer treatment responses. Diagnosis and treatment involve physical and emotional stress, potentially causing chronic hyperactivity and adversely affecting attention, memory, behavior, emotions and thoughts. Research shows this therapy targets stress and aids recovery.

Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy Benefits Attention, Psychology and Immunity

Jon Kabat-Zinn first developed the method at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Parallel work at Pennsylvania Hospital’s Joan Karnell Cancer Center used indoor/outdoor photographs, art materials and collage to awaken everyday awareness. Research found improvements in psychological self-management, attention, decision-making, positive mood and immune function.

For example, a United States National Institutes of Health study involved women with 7 different cancers over 8 weeks, recording developments. Stress disorders improved substantially, alongside physical health and quality of life. Later analysis reported marked progress compared with untreated controls. Studies in men also found important positive changes in prostate cancer.

Materials include colored pencils, pastels, felt-tip pens, watercolors, marker pens and paper, assorted papers, glue, scissors, cotton, clay, natural materials such as dried leaves, different paints, brushes and selected photographs. One technique lets patients choose materials and quickly create expressive forms on small paper, abstract or representational as preferred. Importantly, patients should not worry about making a beautiful picture or resembling an image. During the brief exercise, patients note physical and emotional changes and feelings, concentrating on senses to increase awareness.

Activities Engage Different Senses: Paint Smell, Paper Texture, Drawing Sounds, Color Tones and Brightness

Combining materials enriches sessions. Patients express experiences verbally, in writing or visually. This resembles meditation with additional expression, producing faster, healthier results.

Mindfulness (mindfulness) art therapy should be regular and conducted with a specialist. Patients may try small motivating exercises themselves (children with an adult). Even a three-dimensional figurine from one color of modeling dough engages senses and brain regions and improves feelings. Remember, art itself is a therapy.