Hospitalization disrupts a child’s sense of safety and control, and can lead to increased emotional distress. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology explored how art therapy may address these challenges.
In this study, 12 hospitalized children between the ages of 4 and 12 engaged in individual art therapy sessions with a certified art therapist.
Results showed that art therapy helped the children feel safe and relaxed. Many of them started to see themselves as artists with great ideas. They were proud of the work they had done.
Another important finding was that the kids started to act more like their usual, healthy selves. Even though they were in the hospital, they smiled, laughed, and had fun while making art.
Understanding the Research
The goal of the study was to learn how art therapy helps children in the hospital feel better — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. (Specifically, the researchers wanted to identify what parts of the art therapy process helped children feel safe and emotionally supported during their hospital stay.)
The study took place at Haukeland University Hospital in Norway. All participants were in the hospital for physical health reasons. Some had tried art therapy before, but for most, it was their first time.
Each child had a one-on-one art session with the therapist. Most sessions happened in the child’s hospital room and lasted 25 to 60 minutes. The therapist brought a trolley filled with art supplies — such as watercolor paints, crayons, scissors, and colorful paper.
To gather data, a student researcher watched and listened during the sessions. She took detailed notes, recorded the children’s words and actions, and talked to them afterward.
These notes focused on what the sessions looked like, how the kids behaved, what they said, and how they responded to the art-making process.
The researchers found different ways art therapy helped the children in the hospital:
They felt safe - The art therapist made the space feel welcoming and free from judgment, which helped the kids relax and open up.
They felt like real artists - The children felt proud of what they created. They saw themselves as creative and talented. Even when they didn’t think they were “good at art,” they felt confident.
They were able to focus on something fun - Because of art therapy, they laughed, told stories, and showed their personalities. For a moment, they weren’t just “patients.”
They surprised themselves - Finishing a drawing or painting made them feel strong and brave, like they had accomplished something great.
Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
The results of this study tell us just how powerful art can be for children who are facing illness or hospitalization. If your child is recovering at home or dealing with ongoing health challenges, here are some ways to use art to support them:
Create a cozy space for making art
Set up a small, welcoming area that allows your child to feel relaxed, not pressured. This could be a corner of their bedroom, a lap desk in bed, or a table near a sunny window.
A cozy space helps signal to your child that this is a special time just for creativity, not for medical procedures.
Offer choices and let your child lead
Illness can take away a child’s sense of control. This is why it’s important to let them choose what materials to use or what to draw or paint. Try not to correct or guide too much. Stay curious and supportive. You can even say, “Tell me about what you’re drawing,” or “What colors do you feel like using today?”
Use art to talk about feelings — if your child wants to
Art can be a powerful way for children to express emotions they might not have the words for — especially when they’re feeling scared or overwhelmed by illness.
If your child seems open to talking, gently invite them to share about their artwork. You can ask open-ended questions, but avoid pushing for explanations. In fact, just sitting nearby and being present while they draw can show that you care.
Hang up their creations where they can see them
For a child facing illness or recovery, having their artwork on display can help them feel capable during a time when they may feel powerless. Over time, this collection of artwork will tell a story of strength, imagination, and progress. It’s something your child can look back on with pride.
The researchers say we need more studies that include different age groups, therapists, and settings — and also look at the psychology behind art therapy — to understand how and why it helps children in the hospital.
