Art therapy as a pediatric oncological therapeutic support

Abstract

The pediatric cancer treatment process is often invasive and causes several psychosocial losses in the individual's life, bringing major changes in their routine and perception of themselves. Art therapy, in turn, provides a therapeutic environment conducive to a non-verbal externalization of repressed feelings and thoughts, this process works through a creative approach and artistic resources. The objective of the present study is to identify the publications involving Art Therapy, Pediatric Oncology and Psychology, investigating the damage caused by invasive treatment and understanding whether art therapy could be used as a non-pharmacological support. The methodology used was the Integrative Review, having selected at the end of the search 10 articles between 2019 and 2023 that met the necessary criteria. The results show that Art Therapy has the competence to contribute positively to the psychosocial repercussions caused by invasive treatment, using art, creation and creativity as a stimulus, however, it was also evident the little material published in the last five years by the area of psychology.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.012-064