Revisión sistemática de arteterapia en refugiados: intervenciones, resultados y beneficios

Abstract

By the end of June 2024, the number of forcibly displaced people had reached an unprecedented 123.2 million. Unfortunately, most refugees do not receive adequate mental health care due to limited services and the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. As a therapeutic intervention, art therapy seeks to address trauma while facilitating the exploration of emotions and personal change among those facing displacement. The aim of this study is to synthesize the main characteristics and outcomes of art therapy interventions with refugees through a systematic review. The review was conducted across five databases and three specialized journals. Of the 1,271 documents identified, only 10 met the eligibility criteria. Findings indicate that the most common countries of origin among participants were Syria and Ukraine, with ages ranging from 7 to 32 years. The predominant methodological approaches were case studies and quasi-experimental designs employing standardized tests. Directive frameworks were common, alongside the use of clay, single-session formats, online modalities, and programs of up to 14 sessions. Results suggest that art therapy contributes to improvements in post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and loneliness, while also enhancing agency and fostering social bonds within groups and communities. This study aims to further highlight the benefits of evidence-based art therapy interventions for refugee populations.