Brain activation in response to art-based tasks using diverse materials based on the Expressive Therapy Continuum (ETC)

This study investigated the relationship between art creation and brain function using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) via a portable NIRSIT device, focusing on the frontal lobe’s oxygen saturation changes during art activities. Authorized by the Institutional Review Board of Seoul Women’s University, the research involved 26 healthy participants aged 20 to 29, without prior mental, medical, or substance use issues. They engaged in four art tasks, separated by rest periods, to monitor pre- and post-task brain activity through fNIRS scans.

The research unfolded in two phases: initially, it analyzed brain activity based on the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) framework, comparing different art mediums; next, it then examined differences between drawing on paper and on a digital tablet.

Findings indicated unique activation patterns in various brain regions—including the Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex (VLPFC), Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC), Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortexes (DLPFC), and the parietal cortex—highlighting a notable increase in the Left Frontopolar and Orbitofrontal Cortexes during paper drawing compared to tablet drawing. These results provide insights into how different art mediums influence neural activation, particularly showing enhanced activity in regions linked to empathy and feedback in paper-based tasks. It clearly suggests that different art materials significantly influence varying brain region activation, highlighting the importance of art medium and art-making in art therapy in enhancing cognitive and emotional functions.

By examining changes in frontal lobe oxygen saturation via diverse art activities grounded in the ETC framework, this study contributes to understanding art therapy’s neurological impact on cognitive and emotional functions. It offers evidence-based guidance for art therapists on selecting materials that meet therapeutic objectives. The study’s limitations include a small sample size that may affect the generalizability of the findings and the exclusive use of NIRSIT focusing on the frontal cortex, potentially neglecting the involvement of other brain regions like the temporal and parietal cortexes in art activities. Future research should therefore consider expanding the sample size and employing comprehensive neuroimaging techniques.