| Research in neuroscience asserts that sex difference exists in the brain. While art therapy groups do not always represent males and females equally, art therapists may need to consider male and female differences to meet a clients' need. Stress is a major issue for young adults in modern society. This study focuses on these differences relative to different parts of the brain involving stress management according to neuroscientific findings. Underlying this research, this study hypothesized that males and females need different approaches in art therapy sessions; males would benefit from art making and females would benefit from the sharing process. Mixed methods were used to measure changes in stress levels and discuss about the artworks in the sessions. Two groups, young adult males and females had four art therapy sessions, separately. Each individual utilized a digital application, Stress Check three times in one session---before the session (T1), after the art making (T2) and after talking about the art (T3). Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-42) were also employed. Results showed that both groups reduced their overall stress levels, while the female group's was significantly lower than the male group. Both groups reduced their stress levels more in the sharing process than in the art making. Interestingly, males' stress levels increased after art making. Although the hypothesis partially matched the results, differences were found. Female participants were more supported by the art therapy intervention than male participants. |
