Background and aims:Cancer significantly challenges children's well-being, and despite their resilience, research indicates that treatment burden often leads to heightened psychological distress. In 2017, the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) initiated the "Giving Smiles'' program in Mumbai municipal hospitals, introducing Expressive Therapy (ET) interventions to enhance the mental health of pediatric patients.
Method:The research adopted Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, a qualitative approach. Participants were exposed to expressive arts therapy sessions for 60-75 mins. In-depth interviews of the children were conducted in a semi-structured format to understand their experience of ET sessions. The data was analysed using Thematic analysis and themes were identified.
Results:The Giving smiles program is conducted every Tuesday and Friday as the children await their chemotherapy/blood test results with uncertainty and emotional distress. ET aims to reduce distress and provides a space for expression with interventions like drama, movement, art, and music therapies. The aim of this study is to examine the program’s efficacy and children’s experience. Results suggested a significant impact on the patients.
Conclusion:Pediatric cancer patients not only face physical challenges but also undergo psycho socio-emotional distress. Amidst of uncertainty and distress, ET sessions aim to provide a safe space for expression and help navigate through their treatment. This study helped to understand their experiences and efficacy of the intervention which would help us make alterations in the program. A need for such interventions was proven required for this population.