“A Case Study of Group Art Therapy Using Calligraphy for the Social Engagement Activation of Early Onset Dementia Patients”

Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze how group art therapy using calligraphy impacts the social engagement activation of early onset dementia patients. Methods The group therapy was conducted for six early-onset dementia patients who were registered at the S Metropolitan Center for Dementia. The program consisted of eleven sessions and ran once a week from July 31, 2023, to November 6, 2023. The group art therapy program involved education and learning in each session to enable early-onset dementia patients to use the medium themselves and complete artworks. Based on this, participants were guided to complete artistic works. The research data were collected and analyzed using pre- and post-data (CIST and SGDS-K), therapist's session evaluations, observation notes, pre- and post-DAS (The Draw-a-Story) drawing test, and in-depth interviews with 2 participants and partners of 3 participants. The results of the in-depth interviews were cross-analyzed and categorized by two researchers under supervision to derive the findings. Results As a result, firstly, most of the patients who participated in the program maintained or developed their cognitive skills and lowered their depression inventory. Second, participants indicated improvement in their social skills and an increase in awareness and experience related to social engagement. Based on the experience of the art therapy group, participants’ showed positive changes in awareness of social engagement Conclusions This study is meaningful in confirming the impact of group art therapy using calligraphy on alleviating difficulties and promoting social engagement in early-onset dementia patients. Therefore, it is expected to contribute to the activation of social engagement for early-onset dementia patients.