The Effect of Art Drawing Therapy on Stress Reduction Among Adolescents in an Orphanage: A Pilot Study Dessy Marendra Rizki Permana1, Estin Yuliastuti1*, Wijayanti1, Weni Hastuti1
1Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah PKU Surakarta, Indonesia
Abstract
Background: Stress is a common mental health problem among Indonesian adolescents, with national data showing high prevalence of emotional mental disorders. Adolescents living in orphanages are more vulnerable due to limited family support, feelings of loss, and psychosocial difficulties, which may further increase their risk of stress.
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the preliminary effect of art drawing therapy on stress levels among adolescents in an orphanage.
Methods: This pilot quasi-experimental study used one group pre-test and post-test design. A purposive sampling technique was applied with a total of 24 respondents. The research was conducted at the Keluarga Yatim Mandiri Orphanage in Surakarta, Indonesia, on January 2024, consisting of three art drawing therapy sessions. Stress levels were measured before and after the intervention using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test.
Results: The results showed a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant effect of art drawing therapy on stress levels among adolescents in the orphanage.
Conclusion: Art drawing therapy showed a promising effect in reducing stress levels among adolescents in an orphanage. As a pilot study, further research with larger samples and control groups is needed.
Keywords: Adolescent, art drawing therapy, orphanage, stress
