The impact of group art therapy in post-acute cancer care: A longitudinal qualitative study

This qualitative study explored the impact of an eight session group art therapy programme on the lived experiences of adults in the post-acute treatment phase of cancer care. The longitudinal design involved data collection at three time points: pre, mid and post programme over a span of three months. In-depth individual art-based interviews, informed by Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), were held with eight participants over the three time periods to explore their experiences of and reflections on the art therapy programme and its role in their post-cancer recovery. Thematic analysis of the interviews using the IPA method revealed five overarching themes: the dynamic function of visual metaphor in the image; how the process of art making and experiences with different art materials leads to personal insight and the re-invention of identity; how confrontation with uncertainty supports the development of a new version of the self; the role of the group in promoting personal change; and the role of the art therapist in supporting experiences of safety and the development of group rapport. These outcomes also extend how group art therapy in the post-acute cancer treatment phase may be able to contribute to post-traumatic growth in adult survivors of cancer.