Anxiety reduction through art therapy in women
Exploring stress regulation and executive functioning as underlying neurocognitive mechanismsAnxiety reduction through art therapy in women
Exploring stress regulation and executive functioning as underlying neurocognitive mechanismsSamenvatting
Objectives
To explore possible working mechanisms of anxiety reduction in women with anxiety disorders, treated with art therapy (AT).
Methods
A RCT comparing AT versus waiting list (WL) condition on aspects of self-regulation. Stress regulation (heart rate and heart rate variability) and executive functioning (daily behavioural and cognitive performance aspects of executive functioning (EF)) were evaluated in a prepost design. Participants were women, aged 18–65 years with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.
Results
Effectiveness of AT compared to WL was demonstrated in a higher resting HRV post treatment, improvements in aspects of self-reported daily EF (emotion control, working memory, plan/organize and task monitor), but not in cognitive performance of EF, stress responsiveness and down regulation of stress. The decrease in anxiety level was associated with improvements in self-reported daily EF.
Conclusions
AT improves resting HRV and aspects of EF, the latter was associated with art therapy related anxiety reduction
Organisatie | Hogeschool Leiden |
Afdeling | Faculteit Zorg |
Lectoraat | Antroposofische Gezondheidszorg |
Gepubliceerd in | PLoS ONE Vol. 14, Uitgave: 12, Pagina: e0225200 |
Datum | 2019-12-03 |
Type | Artikel |
Taal | Engels |