Effectiveness of creative arts-based interventions for treating children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events: a systematic review of the quantitative evidence and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The effect of interventions based on the creative arts for children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events was estimated for measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological symptoms. METHOD Using a pre-registered protocol, relevant journal articles were identified through searches of: PsycInfo; Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection; CINAHL and PsycArticles. Data were pooled using a random effects model, and effect estimates were reported as Hedges' g. RESULTS Pooled effect estimates indicated that arts-based interventions significantly reduced PTSD symptom scores compared to pre-intervention (15 studies, g = -.67, p < .001) and a control group (7 studies, g = -.50, p < .001). Significant reductions were also found for measures of negative mood, but results were mixed for externalizing problems and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Despite variations in study quality, intervention approaches and types of trauma experience, the results tentatively suggest that creative arts-based interventions may be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma and negative mood.