The calming effect of art, whether it be music, dance, or painting, is a well known phenomenon. Now, in the first trial of its kind, art therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety in children that stems from persistent asthma, thereby improving their overall quality of life.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that leads to inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This often results in wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and coughing. As one can imagine, the symptoms can be terrifying to young children, making the simple act of breathing a challenge, and can create a great deal of fear and anxiety.

Because this fear can last long after an asthma attack has subsided, the anticipation of another asthmatic episode can be a constant source of stress and could adversely affect their quality of life, not to mention their psychological development. With this in mind, researchers set out to find ways to help address this situation.

One way that was found to be effective was art therapy. In fact, art therapy was beneficial during the actual therapy, as well as months after it was completed. Therapy included patient participation in the creation of artwork that was geared towards the expression of their feelings regarding an illness or trauma. The works of art were then used as a foundation to begin discussing any issues the children had with these conditions.

Experts believe that the creation of the art helps the subjects to distance themselves from their medical circumstances, thereby clarifying their identity outside of their health concerns. Art has been found to be particularly helpful in this way because children do not always have the wherewithal to express themselves adequately with words. Consequently, they often find art to be a more effective medium.

In the study in question, which was published the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, children (between the ages of seven and 14 years) who suffered from persistent bouts of asthma were placed in either an active art therapy group or a control group. Children in the art group received one hour of art therapy over the course of seven weeks. The therapy was designed in a way to encourage discussion and expression in light of the emotional consequences of their illness. Control group subjects filled out evaluations but received no art instruction.

What researchers found was that art therapy subjects made significant strides in the areas of problem solving, communication, quality of life, and anxiety. These positive results were evident for up to six months afterward, thereby indicating that art therapy may be an important and helpful way to enhance conventional therapy and ultimately improve a child’s quality of life.

Asthma affects people of all ages, but can begin in children as young as two years of age. In this country, more than 22 million people are affected by asthma, nearly six million of which are children. Asthma can be effectively treated with medication.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from asthma, contact your doctor as soon as possible. For more information, visit the website for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

For more information about art therapy, visit the homepage of the American Art Therapy Association.

This post was included in the Carnival of Homeschooling #231 and the Homesteading Carnival #148.