Art Therapy with Stroke Patients

Issue title: Stroke

Subtitle: A Pilot Study

Guest editors: Elliot J. Roth

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gonen, J.^{a; b} | Ring, H.^{a; b} | Stern, M.^{a; b} | Soroker, N.^{a; b}

Affiliations: [a] Loewenstein Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Ra’anana, Israel | [b] Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel

Abstract: This article describes the aims, tools, and techniques of art therapy in the treatment of adult stroke patients. Sixty-five patients admitted for initial inpatient rehabilitation after acute stroke were treated either individually (15 patients) or as part of a group (50 patients). The patients’ ability to cope with the different experiences and exercises was examined, and improvements in their self-image, self-acceptance, and quality of interpersonal relationships were assessed. Beneficial effects were noted by both therapist and patients. However, sensitive assessment tools are yet to be developed for determining the specific contribution of art therapy in the general rehabilitation milieu.

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1992-2207

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 36-44, 1992