Art Therapy + Yoga for Youth Mental Health
(SPARK Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of art therapy and yoga/mindfulness in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among middle school students facing challenges such as discrimination and trauma. Participants will engage in both art therapy and yoga/mindfulness sessions during school to determine which method benefits them most. The trial will assess the impact of these activities on mental well-being and school performance. It targets middle schoolers in two specific schools, particularly those experiencing discrimination or other difficult situations. As an unphased trial, this study provides students with a unique opportunity to explore new methods for enhancing their mental health and school experience.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications. It seems focused on art therapy and yoga, so it's likely you can continue your current medications, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that both art therapy and yoga/mindfulness are generally safe and well-tolerated for young people. In studies with children and teens, art therapy has been linked to positive mental health outcomes. For example, one study reported that most children completed the sessions without any problems. Another study found that art therapy improved mental health for hospitalized children.
Yoga and mindfulness have also been studied in young people, showing promising results in enhancing well-being and mental health. One study noted that mindfulness practices reduced anxiety and depression. These activities are non-invasive, meaning they don't involve surgery or medication, often making them safer options for children.
Overall, both art therapy and yoga/mindfulness have proven to be safe and beneficial in various ways for young people facing mental health challenges.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about combining art therapy with yoga and mindfulness for youth mental health because these methods offer a fresh, holistic approach compared to traditional treatments like medication and talk therapy. Art therapy encourages self-expression and emotional exploration through creativity, while yoga and mindfulness focus on physical relaxation and mental clarity, offering a dual approach that targets both mind and body. This combination could help young people develop coping skills and emotional resilience in a more engaging and non-invasive way. By integrating creative and physical practices, this treatment aims to provide a comprehensive support system that is particularly appealing for young individuals who may not respond well to conventional therapies.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for youth mental health?
This trial will compare two treatment sequences: one where participants first engage in art therapy followed by yoga/mindfulness, and another where they start with yoga/mindfulness before art therapy. Studies have shown that art therapy helps young people with serious mental health issues by providing a creative way to express emotions, which is especially beneficial for those who have faced trauma or discrimination. Research on yoga and mindfulness also shows that these practices improve overall well-being by reducing stress and anxiety. Mindfulness-Based Art Interventions, which combine art and mindfulness, have been found to offer psychological benefits, supporting emotional and social health. For young people, these methods can be particularly effective in building resilience and addressing mental health challenges related to difficult experiences.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Lana R Grasser, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Wayne State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for youth aged 11-14 from two schools, one with a majority of Black/African American students and another with diverse demographics including economically disadvantaged students. Participants should have experienced discrimination, adversity, or trauma.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Data Collection
Baseline data collection will assess experiences of discrimination, negative experiences, positive experiences, and severity of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and resilience.
First Intervention Phase
Participants engage in either art therapy or yoga/mindfulness for a quarter. Hour-long weekly sessions occur during elective course times within school.
Crossover Intervention Phase
Participants cross over to the other intervention (art therapy or yoga/mindfulness) for the subsequent quarter. The methods described above will be repeated, including the assessments.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including qualitative interviews regarding their experience with the school-based programming.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Art Therapy
- Yoga/Mindfulness
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Wayne State University
Lead Sponsor
Chandler Park Academy
Collaborator
Jefferson Middle School
Collaborator
Lakeview Public Schools
Collaborator