Mindfulness-informed art therapy for inpatient adolescence in China: case study

Background Mental health services for adolescents in mainland China are typically limited due to available resources and challenged by how adapting services from other countries fail to account for cultural values related to identity development.Context This practice-based report describes a structured mindfulness-informed art therapy program for adolescents in a psychiatric hospital.Approach Art therapy was offered in an in-patient setting in a group format of nine sessions over two weeks for around 14 adolescent patients (with attendance varying by session), who primarily were diagnosed with mood disorders.Outcomes Based on the observations, artwork, interviews, and evaluations, the program had several benefits, which included: emotional improvement, self-expression, and relationship building.Conclusions The outcomes seemed to be based on how the program promoted self-regulation and coping skills while honouring collectivist values.Implications for Research To continue expanding the field of art therapy for Chinese adolescents, future research could investigate more on the effectiveness of incorporating art therapy and mindfulness in treatment as well as exploring context-sensitive adaptations of traditional art materials.Plain-language summary This practice-based report describes a structured mindfulness-informed art therapy program for adolescents in a psychiatric hospital in China. The purpose is to expand how art therapy is used and adapted with attention to cultural values. Over two weeks, approximately 14 patients diagnosed primarily with mood disorders participated in nine sessions of art therapy. Based on observations and patient feedback, the benefits of the program included improved emotions, enhanced self-expression, and strengthened peer relationships. These successes seemed to be based on how the program encouraged self-regulation and reinforced coping skills that were steeped in Chinese cultural expectations.