This study investigates public views on art therapy, highlighting the potential to change misconceptions among the public and healthcare professionals. It emphasizes the use of social media to gather genuine feedback on health services, with platforms like Quora and Reddit providing valuable data. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes online discussions about arts therapy, identifying ten themes across efficacy, outcomes, applications, purpose, and professionalism. The findings reveal growing positive perceptions of arts therapy over the past five years, demonstrating its increasing impact and acceptance.
There is a significant gap between the extensive training required for art therapists and public perceptions of their profession. Art therapy involves rigorous graduate-level training, including thousands of hours of coursework and supervised practice, focusing on the psychological aspects of therapy. Art therapists are well-equipped to handle complex client needs, mastering techniques to manage critical incidents effectively. Despite this, art therapy is often undervalued compared to other mental health professions, even in countries where it is growing. This disparity highlights the need for greater public awareness and recognition of the field’s rigor and value.
Client satisfaction with art therapy indicates its acceptance and perceived credibility. Kim et al. (2022) found that almost 80% of participants valued and enjoyed arts therapy. Moss et al. (2022) reported high satisfaction among healthcare professionals, reducing psychological distress and burnout. However, Uttley et al. (2015) identified gaps in art therapy’s credibility, with some clients questioning its benefits and potential harm. Studies by Turnbull and O’May (2002) and Wilson (2002) showed general practitioners and patients value arts therapy despite limited knowledge. Bellmer et al. (2003) noted low perceived credibility among mental health professionals, but social workers and psychologists recognize its value for cancer patients (Bromberg, 2003).
The rapid growth of the Internet has made it a primary source of health information, surpassing physicians due to its convenience (Chu et al., 2017; Jia et al., 2021). Younger individuals aged 18 to 39 especially rely on it (Pletneva et al., 2012). However, the presence of unregulated websites risks spreading misinformation despite efforts by professional associations to provide accurate resources.
The increase in internet usage has amplified social media engagement, with online forums becoming modern “Town Squares” that reflect and shape public opinion, including views on art therapy. These forums allow people to share health information and discuss various issues, influencing public discourse significantly. However, opinions shared on social media can harm professional credibility and client perceptions. Despite the value of content analysis on these platforms, there is a lack of comprehensive exploration of public perceptions of arts therapy. Studies like Van Lith (2018) highlight this gap but are limited by data scarcity and contextual factors. This research aimed to explore how public perceptions impact the credibility and advancement of art therapy and the challenges in shaping these perceptions.
The current mixed-methods study examined public perceptions of art therapy on Quora and Reddit. Building on Van Lith’s (2018) findings, the study used inductive content and thematic analysis with In Vivo coding, identifying ten themes across five broad topics. Statistical tests considered forum type, age, and sentiment, revealing a generally positive view of art therapy. The results showed multifaceted interpretations and perceived effectiveness of art therapy, aligning with previous research. The study indicated an increase in public acceptance and knowledge of art therapy, with newer themes showing higher sentiment.
Online perceptions of art therapy are largely positive, with discussions highlighting the beneficial effects of art therapy on emotional and psychological well-being. Users often discuss how the non-verbal self-expression facilitated by art therapy aids in processing emotions, echoing findings by Kim et al. (2022) that this theme is linked to high satisfaction. Many sentences describe the therapeutic nature of art therapy, attributing it to the creative processes involved. These positive discussions, which often focus on the effectiveness of art therapy, align with previous research showing favorable views (Turnbull and O’May, 2002; Wilson, 2002).
However, the theme of Targets, which includes stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and pain, has a negative sentiment due to the nature of the issues discussed, though users still note improvements from art therapy. Discussions about the professionalism of the field are less positive, with concerns about the credibility and training of art therapists. There is also apprehension about job prospects in art therapy, despite some users expressing interest in pursuing careers in the field. Practicing art therapists share these concerns and call for increased awareness and standards to ensure the profession’s legitimacy (Toll, 2022; Srolovitz et al., 2022).
Despite these challenges, art therapists demonstrate resilience and adaptability, especially by embracing teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic (Bianchi et al., 2022; Story et al., 2023). This adaptability, along with ongoing professional development and advocacy, highlights their commitment to the field (Ashby, 2011; 2020).
Over the past five years, discussions about art therapy have evolved significantly, reflecting an increase in positive sentiment. Initially, conversations centered on the theme of Professionalism, defining art therapists’ roles and debating the casual versus formal nature of the practice. While some questioned the scientific backing, most acknowledged its support.
Despite concerns about job stability in the field, recent discussions have focused on art therapy’s effectiveness, particularly in mental health treatment. Users highlighted the benefits of self-expression for healing and well-being, encapsulated in themes like Process, Outcome, and Purpose. This shift suggests a growing recognition of art therapy’s value, contrasting with Van Lith’s 2018 findings.
The sentiment around art therapy discussions has become more positive, driven by thematic changes rather than time alone. The COVID-19 pandemic likely influenced this trend, as lockdowns emphasized psychological well-being and self-care. Increased engagement in art activities during this period, as noted in recent studies, aligns with the heightened positive perception of art therapy.
This study explores art therapy perceptions, revealing generally positive views and aligning with Van Lith’s (2018) findings of diverse public interpretations. It highlights that online discussions have shifted over the past five years, now emphasizing the mechanisms and efficacy of art therapy. Further research is needed to determine if these trends are specific to the forums analyzed or influenced by COVID-19, and whether they apply to other social media platforms and the wider community.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2024.102186.
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