Art therapy with three women diagnosed with cancer

The author will provide rationale for using art therapy with women cancer patients to enhance coping strategies that involve taking positive steps toward improving their quality of life and understanding their illness and its effect upon them.

Abstract

Cancer can cause multiple psychological crises, including loss of control, loss of self-efficacy, isolation, decreased self-esteem, and grief. A cancer diagnosis always feels urgent to patients and families. After patients learn that they have cancer, life seems out of balance (American Cancer Society, 1993). The author will provide rationale for using art therapy with women cancer patients to enhance coping strategies that involve taking positive steps toward improving their quality of life, understanding their illness and its effect upon them, and taking appropriate steps to deal directly with their disease.