Impact of Art Therapy on Mental Health Recovery among Athletes

Abstract

Purpose: The study sought to explore art therapy interventions can aid in the psychological well-being and recovery of athletes after injuries or during stressful periods.

Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.

Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of art therapy on mental health recovery among athletes. Preliminary empirical review revealed that art therapy was a promising intervention for enhancing mental health recovery among athletes. Through creative expression and therapeutic engagement, athletes addressed psychological challenges such as performance anxiety and stress. Art therapy provided a non-verbal outlet for athletes to express emotions, explore personal narratives, and develop coping strategies, fostering resilience and well-being. It facilitated a supportive environment for self-reflection and emotional processing, empowering athletes to reclaim agency over their mental health. Integrating art therapy into sports psychology showed potential to enhance athlete care by addressing biopsychosocial dimensions and promoting sustained improvements in mood regulation and self-confidence.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Biopsychosocial Model of Health, Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and Social Cognitive Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the mental health among athletes. The impact of art therapy on mental health recovery among athletes was underscored by its theoretical, practical, and policy contributions. Theoretical advancements highlighted its role in enhancing emotional resilience and coping mechanisms through creative expression. In practice, integrating art therapy into athlete wellness programs proved beneficial, offering holistic support for stress management and injury recovery. Policy-wise, advocating for art therapy inclusion in sports organizations and promoting interdisciplinary collaborations aimed to prioritize athletes' mental health. Overall, these efforts aimed to foster a supportive sports culture that valued mental well-being alongside physical performance.