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@article{203484,
        author = {Mr. Shivanshu Kumar and Dr. K. Latha and Mr. Prince Kumar and Mr. Satyam Kumar and Mr. Chandrashekhar Kumar and Mr. Vishwajeet Singh and Ms. Sakshi Singh and Mr. Atul Kumar},
        title = {A True Experimental Study on the Effectiveness of Art Therapy in Reducing Anxiety Among Hospitalized School-Age Children at Selected Hospitals in Sasaram, Bihar.},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {12562-12567},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=203484},
        abstract = {(Background of the study) Introduction: Hospitalization is a major source of stress for school-age children (6–12 years), interfering with the developmental stage of industry versus inferiority described by Erikson. Children in this stage seek competence and independence; however, hospitalization introduces fear of separation, pain, unfamiliar procedures, and loss of control. Evidence suggests that up to 65% of hospitalized children experience moderate to high anxiety, which may delay recovery and lead to behavioural regression. Non-pharmacological interventions such as art therapy provide a safe and effective approach for emotional expression without the adverse effects associated with medications. In resource-limited settings like Sasaram, Bihar, incorporating such low-cost interventions is particularly relevant.
Methods: A true experimental pre-test post-test control group design was adopted. The study included 60 hospitalized children aged 6–12 years, selected through simple random sampling and divided equally into experimental (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. Children who were critically ill or had cognitive impairments were excluded.
Anxiety levels were assessed using the standardized Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS). Pre-test assessment was conducted prior to intervention. The experimental group received structured art therapy sessions (30–45 minutes daily using drawing and colouring activities) for 5–7 days, while the control group received routine hospital care. Post-test assessment was conducted after completion of the intervention.
Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, percentage) and inferential statistics (paired t-test, unpaired t-test, and Chi-square test), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The majority of participants were boys (53.3%), aged 9–12 years (50%), from rural areas (60%), and experiencing first-time hospitalization (63.3%). Pre-test findings revealed that 86.6% of children had moderate to high anxiety, with comparable mean scores in the experimental (45.2 ± 8.1) and control (44.8 ± 7.9) groups.
Post-test results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in anxiety levels in the experimental group (mean = 26.4 ± 6.2; p < 0.001), whereas the control group showed minimal change (mean = 42.1 ± 7.5). The mean reduction in anxiety was 18.8 in the experimental group compared to 2.7 in the control group, indicating a significant effect of the intervention (p < 0.001).
Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between post-test anxiety levels and age (p = 0.032), duration of hospitalization greater than 5 days (p = 0.014), and prior hospitalization (p = 0.041). No significant association was found with gender or religion.
Discussion: The findings confirm that art therapy is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety among hospitalized school-age children. The significant decrease in anxiety levels in the experimental group highlights the therapeutic value of creative expression in helping children cope with hospitalization-related stress. These results align with existing literature supporting play-based and expressive therapies in pediatric care.
Given its low cost, ease of implementation, and absence of side effects, art therapy can be integrated into routine pediatric nursing practice, particularly in resource-constrained settings such as Bihar. Incorporating such interventions into hospital protocols and nursing education can enhance holistic care and improve patient outcomes.},
        keywords = {Art therapy, school-age children, hospitalization anxiety, pediatric nursing, non-pharmacological intervention, Sasaram Bihar},
        month = {May},
        }