The purpose of this study was to research the effects of Group Art Therapy on communication and depression in the elderly patients.
The subjects for this study were 10 elderly patients staying in the elderly health center
in D city. On this study, the group art therapy program was implemented by 50-60 minutes
once a week for 22 sessions. Data were collected from March, 2004 to October, 2004.
Holden's Communication Scale & GDS-K(Geriatric Depression Scale in Korea) Test was
used as estimating tool, which was administered before and after.
The research findings are as follows;
1. Group Art therapy has a positive influence on communication in the elderly patients.
2. Group Art therapy decreases depressive symptoms in the elderly patients.
3. There are positive effects of art therapy on behavior and attitude of the elderly patient, because group art therapy is a group activity that makes to represent their own desire and emotion, recognition, and depression.
These findings confirmed that the group art therapy program for elderly patient made a
contribution towards improving communication function and to reducing depression.
Therefore, it is recommended that group art therapy program be used in special activity as
an effective Psychosocial Programs for elderly patient.
Key Words : Group Art Therapy, Communication, Depression, The elderly patient