Authors:
- Žaklina Tomić, Health Center of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County – Center for Prevention and Diagnosis of Chronic Widespread Diseases – Pulmonology Clinic, Rijeka, Croatia
- Saša Uljančić, Medical School in Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Nursing, Rijeka, Croatia
- Martina Kosec, Full Potential – Center for Development through Art, Zagreb
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Introduction. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that deals with problems and negative aspects but also offers the person the realization of their inner potentials. It is intended for persons whose daily life activities are reduced or limited by development of illness, injury, age, or psychological factors. The main goal of art therapy is focused on individuals, the achievement of maximum independence in their daily activities, and the improvement of the quality of life. For this purpose, creative techniques are used to fill the patients’ time in institutions, hospitals, socially, culturally, or in a combination of both.
Goal. The aim of the paper is to examine the influence of the fractal drawing method on the emotional state and mood and whether improvements in fractal drawing techniques will be achieved in these segments.
Respondents and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on users of the Elderly Nursing Home Mali Kartec – Krk. The study investigated the effect of fractal drawings on human psyche and mood. The study used a Zung scale (ZUNG SELF RATING) for self-assessment of depression.
Statistical Data Processing. Statistical data processing for paired dependent samples using the T-test for dependent samples was used. Statistical data processing was performed by the author using TIBCO Statistic.
Results. The obtained results showed the positive influence of art therapy by fractal drawing method on a sense of satisfaction. The respondents showed a major shift after art therapy by 28% with regard to the sense of achievement and usefulness. Art therapy has been proven to have a positive influence on sleep problems in the surveyed group, improving the condition in 6% of respondents. The respondents reported an increase in laughter after MFC by 10%, and reduced constipation by 4%. Art therapy contributed to the overall relaxation of respondents by 6%, as well as to the clarity of thought by 6%. In most respondents who did not like making new friendships, the feeling changed by 16% after MFC. An analysis of the data showed a significant shift in raising the feeling of normal state by 50%.
Conclusion. Art therapy has positive effects on the mood of the patient. The therapeutic fractal drawings method leads patients to a better self-assessment of their emotional state.
Keywords:
Art therapy, fractal drawings,
colors, emotional state, older age.