The effectiveness of art therapy in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress in an adolescent with sexual trauma: A case-based exploration

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 4, 321 - 333

Winda Sari , Hetti Rahmawati

Abstract

Art therapy is one of the psychotherapeutic intervention approaches that uses visual art media as a means of nonverbal exploration of emotions. This research is essential to do as one of the advanced innovations in addressing psychological issues experienced by individuals with trauma. The Study aims to determine the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents who have experienced trauma due to sexual violence. The research design used is a pre-experimental research design with a single design or one-shot case study approach. The research subject is a single participant, an adolescent girl who indicated experiencing psychological disorders related to sexual violence trauma. The instrument used to measure outcomes was the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale). The art therapy intervention model was developed from Ganim (2013), consisting of four Stages: (1) expressing your emotion through imagery, (2) healing the mind, (3) healing the Body, (4) transformation of the spirit. The implementation time is carried out in a single series of interventions, with details provided over a one-week period. The series consists of four sessions, each lasting between 90 and 120 minutes. Each session includes a pre-test and post-test, using the DAS-21 to evaluate the effectiveness of changes in psychological symptoms. The results of the Study prove that art therapy shows progress in improving mental health through changes in emotions and behavior, moving in a more positive direction with every session conducted. In conclusion, art therapy demonstrates promising effectiveness in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents who have experienced trauma due to sexual violence. In the future, this research can be used as a reference for researchers and practitioners seeking evidence-based, creative approaches to mental health treatment.

Keywords

Art Therapy , Depression , Anxiety , Stress , Sexual Trauma , Adolescent mental health , Psychological healing

Ethical Statement

This study has received permission from the Faculty of Psychology, State University of Malang, and partnered with UPT PPA Situbondo Regency, East Java, Indonesia. as well as obtaining participants provided informed consent.

Supporting Institution

UPT PPA PPA ( Unit Pelaksana Teknis Perlindungan Perempuan dan Anak / Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children) Situbondo Regency, East Java, Indonesia.

Project Number

non applicable

Thanks

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the participant who was willing to participate in the art therapy sessions until completion, and UPT PPA (Unit Pelaksana Teknis Perlindungan Perempuan dan Anak / Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children) as a partner who accommodates us in recommending the criteria for subjects expected in this study.

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