Case study of an art therapy-based group for work-related stress with hospice staff

From its beginnings, the hospice movement has addressed the potential impact of stress related to working with dying people, their families and friends. Art therapists have provided several types of interventions to alleviate stress for hospice staff but research evidence on their efficacy remains sparse. This case study was conducted as part of a larger research project and explored the processes at play within art therapy-based groups with hospice staff to identify which of these may actively address work-related stress issues. The approach combined art-viewing and art-making over the course of three group sessions and data were collected through these groups as well as through a series of semi-structured individual interviews. An outcome measure (Professional Quality of Life, or ProQOL) was also used. Results indicated that combining art-viewing and art-making enabled relational processes and supported personal insight. Several participants reported some positive impact on well-being, creativity and improved communication as well as some lessening of work-stress, attributed at least partially to the process.