The psychopathology of everyday art: a quantitative Study - World ...

Conclusion
The use of art was not inherently related to the therapy for the patient but was felt by
the therapist to provide a special sort of receptive atmosphere. Artwork was an activity
in which patients felt able and liked to participate. When used therapeutically, it offers
a non direct form of confrontation with underlying issues of conflict and the obscurity
of the communication encourages verbal interactions and allows mutual involvement
towards the goal of interpretation of the meaning through this medium. Therefore the
stated purpose of the use of art in therapy relationships was communicative, but the
underlying purpose of the art component was distraction and distancing for the patient.
4. Change in behaviour
Table 8 (appendix 2), summarised information from 4 studies which used an art
environment but measured changes in behaviour. Their results reflect the conclusions of
the supportive relationships; the environment offers a non-threatening situation which
is enjoyed by the subjects. The skills learned increase self esteem, especially if
recognised by others and increased involvement in the work. The other studies reported
verbal/nonverbal comparisons of disturbance of thought in schizophrenia (1) that lower
levels of disorder occurred whilst engaging in artwork; and (2) Speech and language were
both affected, but planning and carrying out a plan were the most affected. These results
do not cover the area, but one suggests that nonverbal pathways may not be as affected
by thought disorder as verbal pathways. Speculatively, it is possible that the reason art
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