EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY FOR HOPE IN PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an expressive arts therapy programme based on positive psychotherapy principles in strengthening hope among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Hope is a central component of recovery in schizophrenia, yet structured nursing interventions specifically targeting hope remain limited. The study was conducted with 50 inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia at a mental health hospital in Türkiye. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participated in an eight-session expressive arts therapy programme delivered in small groups, while the control group received standard psychiatric care. Hope levels were assessed before and after the intervention using the Herth Hope Scale. The findings demonstrated that participants who received expressive arts therapy showed significant improvements in overall hope and its key dimensions, including future orientation, positive readiness and expectancy, and connectedness, compared with those receiving standard care. This study suggests that expressive arts therapy may be an effective recovery-oriented nursing intervention to strengthen hope and support psychological recovery in individuals with schizophrenia.