This study is a research intended to examine the effects of focusing-oriented art therapy on somatization symptoms and dysfunctional beliefs in adults with social anxiety. For this study, two adults presenting with social anxiety and somatization symp...
This study is a research intended to examine the effects of focusing-oriented art therapy on somatization symptoms and dysfunctional beliefs in adults with social anxiety. For this study, two adults presenting with social anxiety and somatization symptoms participated in a total of 11 sessions of focusing-oriented art therapy, conducted once a week for 2 hours and 30 minutes per session, including a preliminary orientation. Participants were selected using the Social Phobia Scale (SPS) and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS). Subsequently, individual pre-interviews were conducted. The first session included focusing practice and pre-assessment, and thereafter the study was conducted through a focusing-oriented art therapy program. Data analysis was conducted through qualitative analysis focusing on the experiences of the participants and patterns of change observed during the art therapy program sessions, as well as pre- and post-changes in the Kinetic House-Tree-Person (KHTP). Somatization symptoms were measured every two weeks using a 10-point Likert-type self-report scale, and changes across time were comparatively analyzed. In addition, the Focusing Attitude Scale and the Shortened Dysfunctional Belief Test (SDBT) were administered before and after the intervention, and their changes were comparatively analyzed.
The results of this study are as follows. First, focusing-oriented art therapy reduced the somatization symptoms of the participants with social anxiety. Overall somatization symptom scores decreased, and this was closely associated with the post-test improvement in the Focusing Attitude Scale, which reflects the ability to become aware of bodily sensations and to accept them as they are while maintaining an appropriate distance. The participants experienced changes in bodily sensations and emotions through focusing-oriented art therapy and showed patterns of applying these changes in daily life. Second, focusing-oriented art therapy had a generally positive effect on dysfunctional beliefs in the participants with social anxiety. This was also confirmed through pre- and post-KHTP assessments, in which participants showed a reduction in dependency, avoidant tendencies, and withdrawn attitudes in the post-test, and demonstrated acquisition of a more appropriate level of openness. As a result of a comprehensive analysis of the drawings, these changes were interpreted as stemming from positive changes in dysfunctional beliefs related to social self, the need for approval from others, and interpersonal relationships. As the sessions progressed, the participants repeatedly experienced the interconnectedness of bodily sensations, emotions, and cognition, and their understanding of this became deeper. In the process of expressing this through art work, this led to reflection and awareness of previously unrecognized beliefs, and as a result, patterns of self-directed modification of negative beliefs were observed.
This study confirmed that when focusing-oriented art therapy, which utilizes a bottom-up approach through bodily experience, is applied to social anxiety, which has traditionally been treated mainly through top-down cognitive approaches, it has positive effects not only on somatization symptoms but also on dysfunctional beliefs.