MESOC Serapeum | Where culture meets AI

Id		87
Author		Nan, J., K.; Ho, R.,T.
Title		Effects of clay art therapy on adults outpatients with major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial.
Reference		Nan, J. K., & Ho, R. T. (2017). Effects of clay art therapy on adults outpatients with major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of affective disorders, 217, 237-245.
Keywords		depression; emotion regulation; clay art therapy; randomized controlled trial; short-term creative arts psychotherapy
Link to article		https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.04.013
Abstract		Depression has become a critical global health problem, affecting millions of people. Cost-effective nonpharmacological treatment in community settings has been proposed to complement medical treatment. Short-term clay art therapy (CAT) is an alternative treatment that promotes the enhancement of various aspects of mental health for depressed individuals.
Metodology		The study adopted an RCT design. A CAT group was compared with a nondirective visual art (VA) control group to determine the reduction in depressed mood and the associated signs and symptoms of MDD. All the participants were outpatients receiving pharmacological medication by visiting psychiatric clinics in the community, where individual follow-up by social workers were implemented. Assessments were taken at baseline (T0), immediately postintervention (T1), and 3-weeks postintervention (T2). Randomization to the CAT and VA groups was implemented using computer-generated random numbers. The sample size was calculated on the basis of a medium effect size of 0.25, at 80% power and a significance level of 0.05 in a repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) for the proposed experimental and control groups (Ho et al., 2012, 2016a; Nan, 2015). Three time point were integrated into the design. Given the clinical and demographic factors affecting the intervention outcome and allowing for a 25% attrition rate, 120 adult with depression (60 per arm) were required for the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee of a local university before the commencement of the study, and informed consent was obtained from all the participants.
Technique		Multivariate analysis of covariance; The Beck Depression Inventory; 12-Item General Health Questionnaire; Body–Mind–Spirit Well-Being Inventory; 20-Item Toronto Alexithy; Questionnaire