Arts therapies and people with visual impairment: A scoping review

Abstract

People with visual impairment (VI) can benefit from arts therapies (AsTs); however, this area has not been systematically reviewed, and the differences in the application of various artistic modalities and related arts-based interventions (art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, dance/movement therapy, bibliotherapy and expressive writing) have not been thoroughly described. The aim of this paper is to: 1) map research studies on AsTs and related interventions in the therapy and rehabilitation of people with VI, and 2) identify the therapeutic effects, specific features, and necessary adaptations of AsTs for people with VI. All procedures, including the prospective publication of the protocol, search of relevant information sources, data collection and data extraction, were conducted in accordance to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A total of 89 relevant studies were identified, primarily in the areas of music therapy/medicine and art therapy. The reported effects of AsTs and related interventions address psychological/mental health, functioning, social and communication skills, and quality of life. Specific objectives, such as research on physiological functions or pain/anxiety management, were identified in the field of music medicine. Multimodality and the use of various adaptations are characteristic features of AsTs practice for people with VI. Current research studies describe the potential of AsTs and related interventions for people with VI; however, research on the some AsTs modalities is scarce. Future development of AsTs may focus on the therapy of visual functions and other goals specific to this population. This is the first scoping review on AsTs and related interventions for people with VI. Based on thorough searches in databases and grey literature, it provides an up-to-date map of the field. Additionally, this review compares different artistic modalities and offers an overview of potential adaptations that may be necessary in the therapeutic process. This review may be useful for the practice of art therapists and other rehabilitation professionals, including occupational therapists, special educators, clinical psychologists, nurses, vision therapists, social workers and social service workers, as well as for future research in this area.