Outcomes and experiences of an art workshop on young people’s symptoms of depression and anxiety in Peru: a non-controlled trial

Arts Health. 2025 Mar 29:1-20. doi: 10.1080/17533015.2025.2471414. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Art-based interventions are recognised for their mental health (MH) benefits. This study assessed the changes in symptoms of anxiety and depression in young adults and their experiences after participating in a three-session mixed arts workshop.

METHOD: This non-controlled trial study included a pre-intervention and two post-intervention measurements of depression (PHQ-8) and anxiety (GAD-7) symptoms and exit interviews with participants and facilitators. The registration number of this trial is ISRCTN16079466.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven young adults participated in the study. Over 78% of participants reduced their PHQ-8 and GAD-7 scores by at least 3 points after the workshop. Three months later, over 75% maintained that reduction on both scores. Participants reported experiencing social, emotional, and individual benefits after the workshop.

CONCLUSIONS: Art-based workshops offer promising benefits for youth’s MH. This intervention can be short and cost-effective. An integrative approach combining arts and MH may be positive for individuals with anxiety and depression.

PMID:40156583 | DOI:10.1080/17533015.2025.2471414