Stronger Family Through Art Therapy: a Mixed Methods Programme Evaluation Study

Launched by NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY · Dec 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Stronger Family Through Art Therapy" trial is studying a special program designed to help improve the relationships between parents and their children in families facing challenges. This program, called SFAT, aims to see if it can make life better for both parents and children by enhancing their well-being and strengthening family bonds. Researchers will compare families who participate in the program with those who do not, and they will also gather feedback from families and art therapists to understand how well the program works and if it’s suitable for wider use in Singapore.

To be eligible for this program, caregivers (like parents or grandparents) must look after a child aged 7-14 who can communicate in English. Families should be facing challenges such as stress related to finances or caregiving, and they must be from low-income backgrounds receiving financial assistance. Participants will join a 10-week art therapy program, complete surveys at three different times to track progress, and take part in group discussions to share their experiences. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it offers a unique opportunity for families in need to strengthen their connections through creative expression.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • the caregiver (including parents, grandparents, family members or foster parents who perform the main caretaking responsibilities of the children taking part in SFAT) of a young child who can communicate in English and provide informed consent
• • the child is aged 7-14 years and can communicate in English
• • the family have one or more of the following identified challenges: (1) caregiver stress such as finances, household management, work and childcare arrangements, (2) caregiver struggles to find time for self-care and quality time with children, (3) caregiver has minimal understanding of the psychological and emotional needs of their children, (4) children face difficulties with emotional regulation and anger management
• • caregivers and children are from low-income families who receive financial assistance under the CHAS Blue card, ComCare financial assistance, and/or the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • individuals who are suffering from depression or other major mental health conditions that would render their participation highly disruptive to others in a group setting, and/or cannot provide informed consent. Families will also be excluded if they are currently unstable (i.e. circumstances related to abuse/neglect), and/or have high risk of suicidal and self-harm behaviours. In the cases that individuals referred to the programme are not eligible, the partner organisations will assess their needs and refer them to programmes based on these needs.
• • participant is unable to provide informed consent