Effect of creative art therapy (CATs) on depressive symptoms and quality of life among Jordanian community-dwelling older people: an experimental study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are a lack of studies examining the effect of creative art therapy on older people. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of creative art therapy on reducing depressive symptoms and improving the quality of life among Jordanian older people. METHODS: A one-group time-series design (pretest, posttest, and follow-up) was adopted between June 2021 and April 2022 on 102 community-dwelling older people who suffered from depressive symptoms and low quality of life in Amman Governorate. FINDINGS: Significant differences were found among older people in pre-, post-, and follow-up therapy for depressive symptoms and quality of life. Post hoc tests showed a statistically significant reduction in symptoms and an improvement in quality of life from pre to post-intervention, which was sustained at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Results suggested that using creative art therapies as a therapeutic intervention for older persons was effective in minimizing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life.