A pilot cross-over randomised controlled trial of child-focused process and outcome evaluation of arts therapies at primary mainstream schools: study protocol. Issue 2 (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moula, Zoe; Karkou, Vicky; Powell, Joanne
• Is Part Of: Arts & health. Volume 13:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 173
• Page End: 188
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: Arts therapies -- protocol -- pilot randomised controlled trial -- child-focused -- process -- outcomes -- evaluation -- primary schools; Arts -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 615.8515
• DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2019.1703198
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-3015

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Arts therapies are increasingly being adopted within schools to alleviate and prevent a wide range of children's difficulties. Such therapies help to facilitate personal change and growth through arts media; visual arts, music, drama, dance and movement. Methods : This study aims to investigate the child-focused process and outcomes of an arts therapies intervention through child-reported questionnaires, interviews, participant observations, arts-work and biomarkers. The participants are 64 primary school children with mild emotional and behavioural difficulties. Expected results : To explore a) whether all components of the study (i.e. recruitment, randomisation, follow-up) can work together in a larger trial; b) the children's evaluations of arts therapies;c) the impact on children's wellbeing, quality of life and sleep; d) the sample size calculations and cost evaluations for future research. This is the first study to embrace all arts therapies as one research domain with a clear focus on children's verbal, non-verbal and physical responses.