Family art therapy in pediatric oncology

Abstract

Childhood cancer diagnosis has emotional effects not only on the child with cancer, but also on the family system. This study presents the results of a research project about art therapy with families of children with cancer after discharge from a pediatric ward. Objectives: The main objective of the research project is to understand the family dynamics during the creative process. The aim is to develop a specific methodology to offer a therapeutic support to the families when they return home. Method: Over three years 10 families (36 people) have taken part in the art therapy study. After the therapeutic program finalized, the results were analyzed using a qualitative methodology and relate with the Grounded Theory. Results: This studio showed that the overall effect of the family art therapeutic intervention during this period was helpful allowing family members to explore alternative ways of relating, to adapt their roles to the situation they are living and to use symbolic language to express ideas and emotion when words are not enough. Conclusions: The art therapeutic program on the return home after a pediatric ward admission helps the family to face some problems related to the readaptation process. Broaden the therapeutic approach to the family system helped the family members to share their experiences and personal growth after the impact of the childhood cancer.