Evaluating the Effectiveness of Art Therapy on Mood, Anxiety, and Pain Levels in Cancer Patients

The Emotions Thermometer, was chosen to assess patients' mood, anxiety level, and pain scale for this study. For patient ease, the study team chose to utilize a scale of 1-10 for all subjective measurements to be obtained from patients (mood and anxiety level). The study team included the thermometer image to mirror the NCCN Guidelines Version Distress Management Screening tool, for measuring distress and mood level. This screening tool has been shown to be effective in assessing patient distress and mood in oncology patients with ease of use in patients and utility in providers.

Each participant will participate in a private art therapy session with the Art Therapist for 50 minutes. The participant will have a choice of materials to work with, including painting, drawing, clay, and collage materials. The session will conclude with processing of the art and supportive counseling.