Effect of art therapy with clay on hopelessness levels among neurology patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the effect of art therapy with clay on hopelessness levels of patients under treatment in departments of neurology. Design: The study was of one group, pre- and posttest design. Methods: This study was performed on patients who were hospitalized in the neurology departments of a university and a state hospital between February and May 2012 in Turkey. The sample for the study comprised 50 neurology patients with diagnoses of epilepsy (17 patients) and stroke (33 patients). The patients in the study were asked to create objects of clay of any shape they desired. Data for the research were collected with a sociodemographic data form and by using the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Findings: While BHS scores of neurology patients before clay therapy were found higher compared to the scores after therapy with clay, there was also a statistically significant difference. After clay therapy, BHS scores were lower in women, in married patients, in patients who suffered from a stroke, people who had chronic disease, people without psychological illness, and in the case of children. Conclusion: The study showed that clay therapy had an impact on the hopelessness levels of neurology patients. Clinical Relevance: Art therapy with clay may be used for rehabilitation purposes in neurology patients, both in the hospital and at home after discharge.