Effects of Clay Therapy on Emotional and Physical Outcomes in Hospitalized Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Prospective Pilot Study

Background: Pediatric cancer is a highly stressful and potentially traumatic condition affecting physical health, emotional well-being, developmental trajectories, and family functioning. Hospitalization and intensive treatments often exacerbate emotional distress and symptom burden, negatively impacting quality of life (QoL). Integrating psychosocial and expressive interventions into pediatric oncology care is increasingly recognized as essential. Clay therapy is a multisensory, hands-on creative intervention that may promote emotional regulation, coping, and a sense of agency in hospitalized children. Objectives: This prospective pilot study evaluated the effects of clay therapy on emotional and physical well-being in pediatric oncology patients and explored potential indirect effects on caregivers’ emotional status. Methods: From December 2023 to December 2024, forty hospitalized children with onco-hematological diseases and one parent per patient were enrolled. Each child participated in a one-hour clay therapy workshop led by a professional ceramist. Emotional outcomes were assessed before (T0) and immediately after (T1) the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the ArtsObs observational scale. Physical symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and nausea, were also evaluated. Results: Following clay therapy, children showed statistically significant improvements across all VAS emotional domains, independent of age and gender. ArtsObs assessments confirmed a significant increase in observed mood, with high levels of relaxation and engagement; female patients demonstrated greater mood improvement than males. Significant reductions in pain, fatigue, and nausea were also observed. Parents exhibited a significant improvement in mood following their child’s participation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that clay therapy is feasible and could be an effective supportive intervention in pediatric oncology, benefiting both emotional and physical well-being. Its integration into multidisciplinary, family-centered care models may enhance QoL during hospitalization and provide holistic support for children with cancer and their families.