A creative pathway to a meaningful life: An existential expressive arts group therapy for people living with HIV in Hong Kong. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwong, Man-Kit; Ho, Rainbow Tin-Hung; Huang, Yu-Te
• Is Part Of: Arts in psychotherapy. Volume 63(2019)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: HIV -- Existential -- Expressive arts group therapy -- Quality of life -- Hong Kong; Art therapy -- Periodicals; Dance therapy -- Periodicals; Music therapy -- Periodicals; Poetry -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 616.891656
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2019.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-4556

Abstract

Highlights: A holistic approach to enhancing health among people living with HIV is needed. An existential-phenomenological framework can respond to existential conflicts. The effects of an expressive arts group therapy are identified by this mixed-methods study. Abstract: People living with HIV (PLHIV) are likely to encounter existential conflicts, while stigma is a major stressor leading to poorer psychological well-being and social isolation. Aside from medical treatment, diverse psychotherapeutic approaches that guide PLHIV to reconstruct a meaningful life are needed. This paper reports on the process and efficacy of an eight-session, existential expressive arts group therapy program developed for PLHIV in Hong Kong. Eight HIV-positive male participants were recruited and completed the therapy. Using an existential-phenomenological framework, the therapy aimed to facilitate participants to make existential meaning from a creative process, which in turn help them overcome challenges and enhance their well-being in the domains of physical health, psychological health and social relationships. A mixed-methods study design was employed. Qualitative data were obtained through clinical observation by the therapist intern, participants' written reflection, and semi-structured interviews with the participants. Quality of life, affects, and group cohesion were measured by self-report questionnaires. The results showed that most participants found a way to make existential meaning and benefited from increased quality of life and creativity. They displayed significant improvement in the physical health domain of the quality of life ( Z = −1.980, p = .048, r = 0 .50) and positive affect ( Z = −2.103, p = .035, r = 0.53). The findings contribute to the field of HIV care using an integrated arts approach.