A Systematic Review Using Thematic Synthesis of Arts Therapies Therapeutic Actions and Perceived Benefits in the Treatment of People with a Diagnosis of Cluster B Personality Disorder

The objective of this study was to thematically synthesize literature about arts therapies specific in-session therapeutic actions occurring with this client population and the perceived effect of engaging in arts therapies. Using systematic review methods, qualitative and mixed method studies, reporting on arts therapies treatment for people with a diagnosis of personality disorder (Cluster B) were searched in Embase, Medline, PubMed and grey sources until June 2017. The search yielded 167 records. 32 studies were included in the analysis. Data synthesis was conducted by using extracts from the literature search which were coded and then subject to a thematic analysis and synthesis. The codes were then discussed and agreed by the research team. The thematic analysis and synthesis resulted in seven overarching themes: (1) Processing interpersonal experiences (2) Processing emotions (3) Developing agency (4) Symbolising (5) Structuring experience (6) Cognitive reappraisal (7) Developing a shared experience. This thematic synthesis provides some evidence that according to the arts therapies literature available regarding patients with a diagnosis of personality disorder, there are thematic similarities in terms of primary areas of therapeutic action and the relationship between the therapeutic action and the perceived effects of engaging in arts therapies. Our findings suggest that literature about in-session therapeutic actions focus mostly on processing interpersonal experien...
Source: Arts in Psychotherapy - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research