Abstract
This study sought to examine the benefit of group art therapy with female cancer patients. It was
believed that through gained emotional support found in the group setting, that psychosocial
symptoms of cancer, specifically isolation and distress, would be alleviated. The research took
place at a cancer institute in Flint, Michigan. The number of adult female participants varied per
session. The participants’ cancer diagnoses varied, but all women were current members of the
cancer center’s support group. The researcher used a mixed-methods design for evaluating the
efficacy of group art therapy with this population. It was anticipated that three overarching
themes would emerge – feelings of reduced isolation, increased emotional support through the
group art therapy setting, and a decrease in overall psychological stress. This study revealed that
group art therapy decreased isolation in women with cancer, and greatly reduced distress,
according to pre and post-test measures.
