This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of expressive arts therapy on death anxiety among intensive care unit nurses. A total of 66 nurses were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participated in a structured expressive arts therapy programme consisting of weekly sessions for six weeks, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Death anxiety levels were assessed using the Death Anxiety Scale before and after the intervention. The study aimed to determine whether expressive arts therapy is effective in reducing death anxiety and improving psychological well-being among intensive care unit nurses.
This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured expressive arts therapy program in reducing death anxiety among intensive care unit nurses. Participants were randomly assigned to either an expressive arts therapy intervention group or a control group. The intervention consisted of six weekly sessions incorporating creative techniques such as drawing, clay work, and collage to facilitate emotional expression and reflection on experiences related to death and patient care. Death anxiety levels were assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention using the Death Anxiety Scale. The study aimed to determine whether expressive arts therapy could reduce death anxiety and improve psychological well-being among intensive care nurses exposed to frequent patient mortality.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
66
Expressive arts therapy was delivered as a structured group intervention consisting of six weekly sessions including drawing, clay work, and collage.
Samsun Training and Research Hospital
Atakent, Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Death Anxiety Scale Total Score
Death anxiety was assessed using the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS; Sarıkaya \& Baloğlu, 2016), a validated self-report instrument consisting of 20 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1-5). Total scores range from 20 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater levels of death anxiety.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 6 (post-intervention)
Change in "Uncertainty About Death" Subscale Score
The Uncertainty About Death subscale of the Death Anxiety Scale evaluates ambiguity and fear related to the unknown aspects of death. Subscale scores are derived from relevant items within the DAS, with higher scores indicating greater uncertainty and anxiety regarding death.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 6 (post-intervention)
Change in "Thoughts About Death and Witnessing Death" Subscale Score
This subscale measures cognitive and emotional responses related to thinking about death and exposure to dying individuals. Higher scores indicate more frequent and distressing death-related thoughts and experiences.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 6 (post-intervention)
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