Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy and Symptoms in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

Newland, Pamela
Chen, Ling
Hamilton, Karlie
Miller, Rebecca D.
Hendricks-Ferguson, Verna

Pamela Newland, PhD, RN, CMSRN^®, is Independent Nurse Researcher, St. Jacob, IL, and past National Institute of Nursing Research Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Postdoctoral Fellow (2010-2013).
Ling Chen, PhD, is Biostatistician, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.
Karlie Hamilton, MSN, RN, is Instructor of Nursing, Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes Jewish College, and PhD candidate, Trudy Busch-Valentine School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO.
Rebecca D. Miller, PhD, ATR-BC, ATCS, LCAT, CCLS, is Program Director and Assistant Professor of Counseling and Art Therapy, Ursuline College, Cleveland, OH.
Verna Hendricks-Ferguson, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAAN, is Irene Riddle Endowed Chair in Nursing (Program of Research: Palliative and End-of-Life), Research Institute Fellow, and Professor, Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO.

Note: Supported by a research grant from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses; Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Grant [UL1 TR000448]; and Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center and NCI Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA091842.

Instructions for Contact Hours | MSN J2308

Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) contact hours can be earned for completing the evaluation associated with this article. Instructions are available at amsn.org/journalNCPD

Deadline for submission: June 30, 2025

1.3 contact hours

MEDSURG Nursing 32(3):p 178, May-June 2023.

Adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience multiple symptoms and may benefit from complementary symptom support, such as mindfulness activities. An 8-week mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) intervention with adults with MS was conducted, with participants reporting improved symptoms from baseline to 3 months after the MBAT.

Background

Use of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) has shown promise to address symptoms in adults with chronic conditions.

Aim

Evaluate potential impact of MBAT on symptoms among adults with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Method

The MBAT intervention included eight weekly sessions (didactic psycho education and creative-art activity) delivered virtually by an art therapist and a medical-surgical nurse to adults with MS in their home setting. The MS-Related Symptom Checklist (MS-RS) was used to measure symptoms.

Results

The MS-RS mean total score at baseline was significantly different 3 months after the MBAT intervention compared to baseline results.

Limitations and Implications

This pilot study included 16 participants with MS, mostly females. More research investigating the full scope of MBAT on a larger and more diverse sample of chronic conditions is recommended.

Conclusion

Results suggest MBAT is a promising intervention that can be delivered by medical-surgical nurses and can help reduce symptom distress among adults with MS in conjunction with standard medications. Integrating MBAT into adult care may serve as a positive-distraction approach to help reduce the severity of commonly experienced symptoms.