Evaluating Belongingness: An Online Adlerian Art Therapy Group for Adults with Chronic Illness

Many adults with chronic illness and acquired disability experience feelings of isolation and loneliness due to their illness. Different interventions have been found to benefit adults living with chronic illness. This study asks, Can online Adlerian art therapy groups increase belongingness in adults with chronic illness? An Adlerian-style art therapy group was held online and evaluated by the General Belongingness Scale and qualitative data from artwork and narrative responses. Results indicated an increase in feelings of belonging after attending the online Adlerian art therapy group. While further research is needed, the findings suggest that accessible, online Adlerian art therapy groups may benefit the sense of connection and well-being in adults experiencing chronic illness.