The Effectiveness of Art Therapy in Addressing Social Anxiety in Contemporary Japan: Two Case Studies

Among the most prevalent mental disorders in Japan in recent times is the social anxiety disorder. Over the past decade, there has been a concerted effort to adapt the psychological and psychiatric treatment system, which remains controversial in some respects, to the growing number of individuals afflicted by these disorders. Worth noting is the integration of outreach care and of art therapies, especially those based on plastic and pictorial arts. This is explained by reference to two Japanese ateliers, which have been identified as notable case studies: Kokoro-karada-art (Kyoto) and Soteria Art Circle (Tokyo). The study's first objective is to assess the efficacy of art-therapeutic activities through the analysis of data obtained from semi-structured interviews conducted with the individuals delivering the art-therapeutic activities. The second objective is to provide a qualitative analysis of a sample of users who have undergone such treatments. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating psychological theory and previous Japanese social-historical studies with qualitative field research, conducted through on-site visits and interviews with the selected users. Furthermore, a graphic apparatus, comprising works created by the aforementioned users, serves as a visual representation of the findings.