Effectiveness of creative arts-based interventions for treating children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events: a systematic review of the quantitative evidence and meta-analysis.

Background: The effect of interventions based on the creative arts for children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events was estimated for measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological symptoms.

Method: Using a pre-registered protocol, relevant journal articles were identified through searches of: PsycInfo; Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection; CINAHL and PsycArticles. Data were pooled using a random effects model, and effect estimates were reported as Hedges' g.

Results: Pooled effect estimates indicated that arts-based interventions significantly reduced PTSD symptom scores compared to pre-intervention (15 studies, g = -.67, p < .001) and a control group (7 studies, g = -.50, p < .001). Significant reductions were also found for measures of negative mood, but results were mixed for externalizing problems and anxiety.

Conclusions: Despite variations in study quality, intervention approaches and types of trauma experience, the results tentatively suggest that creative arts-based interventions may be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma and negative mood.