Expressive Arts Therapy for Indonesian Nursing Students: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Self-Esteem and Catharsis

Authors

  • Maria Frani Ayu Andari Dias Suaka Insan Health of Science Institute
  • Anastasia Maratning Suaka Insan Health of Science Institute
  • Ferry Rolando University of Eka Harap
  • Zhulfikri Budianto Sambang Lihum Mental Health Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51143/jksi.v10i2.998

Keywords:

Expressive Arts Therapy, Self-Esteem, Nursing Students, Mental Health, Hybrid Methods, Indonesia

Abstract

Nursing education can negatively impact students' psychological well-being and self-esteem. While Expressive Arts Therapy (EAT) is a promising intervention, research on its effectiveness using hybrid methods in non-Western contexts like Indonesia is limited. This study evaluated a free-drawing-based EAT intervention to enhance the self-esteem of Indonesian nursing students. This mixed-methods study used a quasi-experimental, one-group pre-test-post-test design. From 415 students screened in South and Central Kalimantan, 24 participants with low-to-medium self-esteem were selected (purposive sampling). Data were collected using the Nurses' Self-Concept Questionnaire (NSCQ) pre- and post-intervention. Quantitative data were analyzed using a paired-samples t-test; qualitative data from in-depth interviews and FGDs (10 participants) were thematically analyzed. Quantitatively, the increase in mean self-esteem scores was not statistically significant (t(23) = -0.850, p = .202). In stark contrast, qualitative analysis revealed substantial benefits across four themes: (1) enhanced self-insight and awareness; (2) emotional catharsis and stress reduction; (3) drawing as vital non-verbal expression; and (4) a positive therapeutic experience. Although the EAT intervention did not yield statistically significant improvement in self-esteem scores, it provided profound psychological benefits like emotional catharsis and enhanced self-awareness. EAT is a valuable tool for supporting nursing students' mental well-being, functioning as an effective method for stress management and self-exploration.

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Published

2025-11-06

How to Cite

Dias, M. F. A. A., Maratning, A., Rolando, F., & Budianto, Z. (2025). Expressive Arts Therapy for Indonesian Nursing Students: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Self-Esteem and Catharsis. JURNAL KEPERAWATAN SUAKA INSAN (JKSI), 10(2), 284–298. https://doi.org/10.51143/jksi.v10i2.998

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): Jurnal Keperawatan Suaka Insan (JKSI)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Frani Ayu Andari Dias, Anastasia Maratning, Ferry Rolando, Zhulfikri Budianto

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