The purpose of this study was to develop a cognitive behavioral art therapy program that integrates the theoretical framework of cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) with the expressive characteristics of art therapy, and to examine its effects on redu...
The purpose of this study was to develop a cognitive behavioral art therapy program that integrates the theoretical framework of cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) with the expressive characteristics of art therapy, and to examine its effects on reducing depressive symptoms among job-seeking young adults. In recent years, the prevalence of depression among young adults has increased due to intensified employment competition, unstable career trajectories, and interpersonal stressors. In particular, young adults in the job-seeking phase are considered emotionally vulnerable, making depression within this population a significant social concern. Accordingly, this study was conducted in response to the need for an integrative intervention that addresses the limitations of existing depression intervention programs while reflecting the developmental characteristics of young adults and the therapeutic strengths of artistic approaches.
TThe theoretical foundation of the program was grounded in Beck’s cognitive behavioral therapy, incorporating core concepts such as automatic thoughts,
cognitive distortions, emotional responses, and behavioral activation. In addition, prior studies suggesting that nonverbal expression, symbolic work,
and image-based exploration in art therapy facilitate cognitive restructuring were reviewed and reflected as key components of the program. Furthermore,
Yalom’s (1980) therapeutic factors in group counseling—catharsis, insight, and interpersonal learning—were applied to enhance psychological safety and
interpersonal interaction within the group setting.
The program was systematically developed following the five stages of the ADDIE model: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation.
During the analysis stage, participants’ characteristics and needs were identified through a literature review and needs assessment, and program goals were derived accordingly. In the design stage, a preliminary program was structured and session goals and formats were specified. During the development stage, the program was refined into its final form through pilot implementation and expert consultation to ensure content validity and logical coherence. In the implementation stage, the cognitive behavioral art therapy program was conducted with job-seeking young adults. The evaluation stage employed both quantitative and qualitative analyses, including pre- and post-assessments, to examine program effectiveness.
The final program consisted of ten sessions: Sessions 1–3 focused on self-understanding and emotional exploration, Sessions 4–7 on cognitive restructuring, and Sessions 8–10 on behavioral activation and maintenance strategies. Participants included 16 job-seeking young adults residing in Seoul and the metropolitan area, who were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. Depression levels were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II), and projective changes were examined using the Person-in-the-Rain Test (PITR). Group homogeneity was tested using an independent samples t-test, and differences between pre- and post-intervention changes were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test with SPSS/WIN 20.0. In addition, qualitative analyses were conducted based on session artwork, participant statements, reflection journals, and changes observed in PITR drawings, focusing on emotional, cognitive, and somatic
behavioral domains.
The results indicated that the program produced a statistically significant reduction in depression levels among job-seeking young adults. Significant improvements were observed across emotional, cognitive, and somatic behavioral domains of depression. Qualitative findings further revealed progressive positive changes, including enhanced self-understanding, restructuring of automatic thoughts, increased emotional expression, and activation of adaptive behaviors. In the later sessions, maintenance strategies facilitated the continuation of self-monitoring and self-reinforcement following program completion.
In conclusion, this study holds both academic and practical significance in that it systematically developed and empirically validated a cognitive behavioral art therapy program reflecting the developmental and social characteristics of job-seeking young adults. The findings suggest that an integrative intervention addressing emotional, cognitive, and somatic behavioral domains may be effective in alleviating depressive symptoms during young adulthood, thereby providing foundational evidence for application in counseling, education, welfare services, and youth mental health policy.