Investigating the effectiveness of painting therapy on reducing anxiety in elementary school students

Author

Department of General Psychology, faculty of humanities and education science, Islamic Azad University-Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives:

Anxiety is a common psychological disorder among elementary school children, negatively affecting their academic and emotional development. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of drawing therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety in children.



Methods:

A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measures was used, including a control group. Forty elementary students with anxiety symptoms (based on the SCARED questionnaire) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The experimental group participated in 10 drawing therapy sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA.



Findings:

Anxiety scores in the experimental group significantly decreased (from 42.8 to 28.3; p < 0.001), while no significant change occurred in the control group (from 41.9 to 40.7). ANCOVA confirmed the intervention's significant effect (F(1,37) = 25.4, p < 0.001, η² = 0.41). Reductions were also observed in social and generalized anxiety.



Conclusion:

Drawing therapy is an effective educational intervention for reducing anxiety in elementary school children. Its simplicity, low cost, and adaptability make it suitable for school-based mental health programs. Future research with larger samples is recommended.

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 06 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 10 June 2025
  • First Publish Date: 10 June 2025
  • Publish Date: 21 March 2025

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