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Free art-making in an art therapy open studio: changes in affect and self-efficacy

Abstract Background: This study investigated the impact of visual art-making on self-reported positive and negative affect and perceived self-efficacy. Study participants included 39 healthy adults aged 18 to 59 years, including 33 women and 6 men. Methods: The study used a mixed methods quasi-experimental (pre–post measurements, no control group) design. The study involved 45 minutes of individual art-making in an open studio format facilitated by an art therapist. Participants completed questionnaires including the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and General Self-Efficacy Scale, before and after the art-making session. At the end of the session, participants provided brief comments about their art-making experience and a narrative summary of their artwork. Results: Results indicate that free art-making in this context significantly lowered negative affect and improved positive affect and self-efficacy. Improved affect was also moderately correlated with improved self-efficacy. There was no difference between groups based on prior experience with art-making, gender, age, or race/ethnicity. Content themes from the participants’ artwork were very diverse including references to nature, people, activities, memories, and abstract explorations of colors and shapes. Discussion/Implications: These preliminary findings indicate the benefits of a brief studio-based art therapy free art-making session on the psychological states of affect and self-efficacy for health adults.