| Abstract [eng] |
Title. Exploring the Intrinsic Resources of Oncology Patients in the Art Therapy Process Research problem. Oncological illness is a devastating and potentially traumatic experience that affects not only the person but also their perception of invulnerability and predictability of life. The detection and treatment of cancer are critical stages that can have a lasting impact not only on the physical but also on the psychosocial functioning of the person. Although there are not many studies on the use of art therapy to discover inner resources to help overcome the symptoms of cancer, those that do exist confirm that art therapy is an effective therapy in the treatment of cancer patients and in improving their quality of life in all aspects, including inner resources. Aim of the study. To theoretically and empirically uncover the inner resources of cancer patients in art therapy. Participants. The participants of the study were five women aged between 38 and 49 years diagnosed with breast cancer, parotid salivary gland cancer, cervical cancer, and gynaecological cancer. Four participants received treatment (radiotherapy or chemotherapy) during the study, and one was in remission. Methodology. The research strategy was qualitative, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, participant drawings, and therapeutic process notes. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis methods based on Braun and Clarke (2006), and the drawings were analysed using a formal item analysis method based on Jungian psychology. Results. Based on the thematic analysis, three themes and several sub-themes were identified, and the study participants identified personal characteristics and life circumstances that are important to them and that support them in the context of their oncological disease. They also mentioned that in the art therapy sessions, they had the space and opportunity to make sense of experiences that were important to them. Based on the analysis of the drawings, two main elements of the analysis of the drawings were identified: the structure of the drawings, including the use of imagery and the most recurrent colours (red, green, blue), and the symbolic representation (circle, spiral, tree, water, birds). Conclusions. After analysing and comparing the data obtained, it can be stated that the application of art therapy to people with oncological disease or those who are still undergoing treatment is influential because the study participants identified the aspects of inner resources and strengths that are important to them. |
