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Understanding the Experience of Working Women in Managing Stress During Pandemic Using Expressive Art Therapies

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  • Mohd Nazri Abdul Rahman

    (Faculty of Education, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur)

  • Amira Najiha Yahya

    (Faculty of Education, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur)

  • Kasturi Bai

    (Faculty of Education, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly exacerbated stress levels, particularly among working women in Malaysia, who faced increased domestic and professional responsibilities during the crisis. This study explores the effectiveness of Expressive Art Therapy in managing pandemic-induced stress among this demographic. Through qualitative research involving in-depth interviews with 30 participants, the study investigates how Expressive Art Therapy has been utilized to alleviate emotional and psychological strain. The findings reveal that engaging in activities such as painting, drawing, and dance allows these women to articulate emotions nonverbally, fostering a therapeutic release and promoting mental health resilience. This therapeutic approach has proven beneficial in enhancing emotional well-being, offering an innovative outlet for stress management, and improving overall life satisfaction among participants. The research underscores the potential of Expressive Art Therapy to serve as a valuable tool in occupational stress management strategies, particularly in times of crisis. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including the sample size and the specific focus on women who have opted for this therapy, potentially skewing broader applicability. Future research is recommended to explore Expressive Art Therapy’s efficacy in broader demographic settings and to examine its long-term psychological benefits. This study highlights the need for policy enhancements to integrate creative therapies into workplace mental health programs, thus supporting gender-specific mental health needs during unprecedented times.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohd Nazri Abdul Rahman & Amira Najiha Yahya & Kasturi Bai, 2024. "Understanding the Experience of Working Women in Managing Stress During Pandemic Using Expressive Art Therapies," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(12), pages 1011-1031, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:8:y:2024:i:12:p:1011-1031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jia-Fen Wu & Chi-Yang Chung, 2023. "Art Therapy as an Intervention for Children: A Bibliometric Analysis of Publications from 1990 to 2020," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, December.
    2. Eugenie Sin Sing Tan & Shaun Ashley Fung Xian Chin & Manimeyapan S. Palaniappan Sathapan & Astrid Disimond Dewi & Farahnaz Amini & Normina Ahmad Bustami & Pui Yee Tan & Yu Bin Ho & Chung Keat Tan, 2023. "Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Evidence from Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-14, February.
    3. Rodolfo Buselli & Martina Corsi & Sigrid Baldanzi & Martina Chiumiento & Elena Del Lupo & Valerio Dell'Oste & Carlo Antonio Bertelloni & Gabriele Massimetti & Liliana Dell’Osso & Alfonso Cristaudo & C, 2020. "Professional Quality of Life and Mental Health Outcomes among Health Care Workers Exposed to Sars-Cov-2 (Covid-19)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-12, August.
    4. Connor, Jade & Madhavan, Sarina & Mokashi, Mugdha & Amanuel, Hanna & Johnson, Natasha R. & Pace, Lydia E. & Bartz, Deborah, 2020. "Health risks and outcomes that disproportionately affect women during the Covid-19 pandemic: A review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
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