Comparative analysis of art therapy in education: China vs. foreign countries using CiteSpace

Background: Comparative research on art therapy in education is limited, both in China and internationally. This study examines the potential of art therapy to transform art education, focusing on improving students' physical and mental health and aesthetic abilities, both in China and other countries. Aims: This study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of art therapy in education within a visual context. Using bibliometric analysis of publications from the CNKI and WOS databases over the past 20 years, and the CiteSpace visualization tool, research hotspots and frontiers in art therapy within education were identified. Clustering research topics were explored, and the influence of art therapy on current art education was discussed. The study also predicts the future development trend of art therapy in both Chinese and international art education. Methods: Bibliometric analysis of CNKI and WOS databases, coupled with the CiteSpace visualization tool, facilitated the identification of key nodes in the keyword network, highlighting research hotspots and frontiers. Results: The development of art therapy has shown an upward trend over the past two decades, particularly in the last ten years. Comparative analysis revealed ongoing progress of art therapy in both China and other countries, with untapped potential in China. Future trends indicate a complex upward trajectory, emphasizing the integration of localized art therapy methods and educational approaches. Summary: This comparative research paper explores art therapy in education, focusing on its potential to improve physical and mental health, as well as aesthetic abilities, in students from China and other countries. Using bibliometric analysis and the CiteSpace visualization tool, research hotspots and frontiers in art therapy within education were identified. The findings reveal a growing trend in art therapy over the past two decades, particularly in China. The study highlights untapped potential and predicts a complex upward trajectory, emphasizing the integration of localized art therapy methods and educational approaches. These insights contribute to the advancement of art education practices in China and internationally, underscoring the need for further exploration and integration of art therapy methods.