Art and Posttraumatic Stress: A Review of the Empirical Literature on the Therapeutic Implications of Artwork for War Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Little is known about the restorative impact of visual art on war veterans diagnosable with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A literature review was conducted to identify existing theories and guidelines that address the use of visual art in general acute-care health care settings. Then, case studies of visual imagery’s impact on war veterans’ trauma-related symptoms were examined. The case studies included the use of visual imagery during art therapy sessions and therapeutic visits to war memorials. Finally, the authors suggest hypotheses that may guide future research on evidence-based guidelines for visual art for war veterans with PTSD.