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ABSTRACT
Background
A gap exists in research regarding the impact of passive art on hospitalized children. This descriptive study explored the ability of an intervention using original paintings and the same paintings altered with personalized content to capture the attention of hospitalized children, engage them, and bring them joy.
Methods
This grounded theory mixed-method exploratory pilot study included interview, observation, Leuven Scales for Involvement and Well-being, and the VAS-Joy Scale. Ten hospitalized children, ages four to 12 years, viewed a painting and later the painting with personalized content.
Results
Leuven scores pre- (M = 4) and post-intervention (M = 4.5) suggested high levels of well-being and involvement, with post scores higher. Joy scores (M = 6.3) obtained post-intervention indicated high levels of joy when viewing the personalized altered painting. Five response themes emerged: (1) Felt special; (2) Brightened mood; (3) Reinforced positive identity; (4) Stimulated imagination; and (5) Revealed homesickness.
Conclusions
Findings support the emergent theory that passive art interventions using “organic art” can contribute to improving the hospital experience for children.
Acknowledgments
The author wishes to thank David Masterson for the opportunity to explore the impact of his amazing organic art, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital’s Child Life Department—Katie Wallace, Lauren Furtner, Jessica Tyndall—and Education Specialist Christine Anninos for their assistance in recommending and recruiting participants, and the children who so graciously shared their time and thoughtful responses.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).