The Effectiveness of Art Activities and Peer Group Participation on Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adult Center Residents: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not yet available

• Effect Size: Not yet available

• Primary Outcome: Results pending - study protocol only

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Cannot be calculated - protocol stage

• Confidence Interval: Not yet available

Clinical Application

Art therapy programs are feasible in aged care settings with appropriate staffing and resources Relevant to Australian aged care quality standards and person-centred care approaches. Could inform activity programs under Aged Care Quality Standards Older adults in Australian residential aged care facilities, particularly those with recent admission stress

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Transitioning to residential centers often induces significant psychological stress in older adults, adversely affecting their psychological well-being (PWB) and ability to age healthily. Chinese art activities and their combination with peer group participation have demonstrated efficacy in improving emotional well-being and fostering social connectivity among younger populations but have not been examined in older adult populations to date. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the efficacy of Chinese art activities or their combination with peer group participation in enhancing PWB among Chinese older adults living in a residential center. METHODS: This multicenter randomized, assessor- and analyst-blinded trial uses a "max-min-con" design with 3 groups: control, Chinese art activities, and Chinese art activities plus peer group participation (1:1:1 allocation). A total of 90 participants aged 60 to 85 years and with a stay of 1 year or less will be recruited from 3 older adult centers (30 from each center) and assigned via minimized randomization to the groups. Interventions will consist of 3 sessions within a single week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Baseline evaluations will be conducted before randomization to assess PWB, loneliness, happiness, relaxation, and salivary cortisol levels. Outcome evaluations will be conducted 30 minutes prior to and following each intervention session to assess immediate effects. A follow-up evaluation is planned 1 week after the final intervention to measure sustained outcomes. RESULTS: The study was funded in September 2024. Participant recruitment commenced on May 9, 2025, and ended on August 20, 2025, with the recruitment of 90 participants. Data collection ended on October 31, 2025, and data analysis is expected to conclude in April 2026, with the anticipated publication of results in 2026. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of Chinese art activities, either alone or combined with peer group participation, on enhancing PWB in older people and the efficacy of salivary cortisol as a biomarker for the assessment of PWB. The findings will provide empirical evidence to assist policymakers and older adult centers in selecting appropriate interventions, with the long-term potential to improve psychological health in older adults.