a quantitative study exploring the effects of focusing-oriented arts therapy - Internet protocol (FOAT-IP) on stress, anxiety, depression, and positive states of mind in South Asian women

Two in 5 South Asian women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) within the context of their marital relationship that results in PTSD precursors such as stress, depression, and anxiety. However, South Asians may not be as receptive to traditional talk therapy as some other ethnic groups due to stigmas around psychotherapy held by this population. Because South Asians are hesitant to talk openly to anyone, such as a therapist, outside their family circles, adjunct approaches that draw on aspects of Gendlin's Focusing-oriented therapy and the expressive arts (i.e., art, movement, poetry, etc.) can help facilitate meaning-making in a nonverbal manner that also respects their need for privacy. Therefore, Rappaport's Focusing-Oriented Arts Therapy (FOAT) was adapted to the Internet (FOAT-IP) and explored as an integrative well-being adjunct tool in working with clients who have not been acculturated to psychotherapy. The main question investigated was: Does FOAT-IP lessen PTSD symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and depression in a population at risk for IPV? It was hypothesized that FOAT-IP would reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.;A pre-and-posttest quantitative design was utilized in this 4-week pilot study for a Web-based intervention. Participants (N = 16) were South Asian women who completed 4 quantitative measures (Perceived Stress Scale, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Positive State Of Mind) at the beginning and end of the study. SPSS software was used to analyze quantitative data. The depression measure was the only one to yield significant results; 47% of the participants' improvement may be attributed to the FOAT-IP intervention. However, the other measures' findings were limited by a small sample size to be conclusively attributed to the intervention. Therefore, it is worthwhile for future studies to explore the FOAT-IP intervention with a larger sample size. Initial results suggest that FOAT-IP is feasible and potentially efficacious as a Web-based adjunct tool for depression in South Asian Women.