Visual Art Therapy on Caregiver Burden

This study aims to determine the effect of Zentangle practice on perceived caregiver burden, stress levels, and burnout among family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care. Zentangle is a visual art therapy method used for meditative purposes by promoting creativity and focused attention in individuals under stress, which can facilitate mental relaxation, stress relief, and mindfulness. The study is designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial with a pretest-posttest design. The sample consists of 60 family caregivers of patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit, randomized into an intervention group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). Participants in the intervention group receive a two-week meditative art therapy intervention based on the Zentangle method, while data are collected through face-to-face interviews using validated psychological scales before and after the intervention period.

Inclusion Criteria: Being a family caregiver of a patient hospitalized in the palliative care unit Volunteering to participate in the study Being aged 18 years or older Being able to communicate in the local language Providing care for the patient for at least one month Exclusion Criteria: Having a previously diagnosed major psychiatric illness or cognitive impairment that prevents participation in art therapy Having visual or physical impairments that interfere with performing fine motor tasks required for the Zentangle method Participating in any other concurrent psychological or art therapy intervention during the study period