Authors (including presenting author) :
So SH(1), Li MC(1), Ng PK(1), Leung PC(1), Pang YS(1), Chen SY(1), Leung NTA(1), Lee OL(1), Chan YH(1), Chan YL(1), Lau WL(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Kowloon Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Mental health
Keyword 3: :
Occupational Therapy
Introduction :
Hope is central in mental health recovery, motivating individuals to persist and engage in treatment (Snyder, 2002). Higher levels of hope are associated with improved coping, symptom reduction, and better recovery outcomes. However, individuals with mental illness frequently experience hopelessness from stigma, setbacks and relapse, contributing to increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes such as suicide (Abramson et al., 2002). Art making can be a transformative process enabling greater control of lives and driving clients more competently in recovery journey, fostering their hope (Van Lith et al., 2010).
Objectives :
To foster hope among individuals with mental illness through an art-based recovery program conducted by the Occupational Therapy Department of Kowloon Hospital.
Methodology :
The program comprised eight structured art-making sessions incorporating modalities including Zentangle Drawing, Pastel Nagomi Art, Mandala Art, Embossing Coaster, and Galaxy Sensory Bottle. Under the guidance of occupational therapists, participants engaged in art-based reflection to explore personal recovery experiences. Upon program completion, an art exhibition was organized to display participants’ works and promote mental health awareness, with several participants volunteering as docents to share their recovery narratives. Feedback was collected from participants on how the program fostered their sense of hope and satisfaction.
Result & Outcome :
Nineteen participants (8 males, 11 females; aged 28–71) completed the program, including individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (~30%) and mood disorders (~70%). In general, the participants demonstrated increased hope, motivation and perceived ability to initiate actions toward goals. Around 80% of participants reported enhanced self-reflection and confidence, and all expressed satisfaction with the program. In conclusion, the program effectively enhanced participants’ sense of agency and overall hope through creative expression and reflective processes. Art-making provided a tangible means for participants to conceptualize progress and identity in recovery. Future program development should emphasize strengthening pathway thinking and evaluating long-term outcomes.
