Has benefits the art therapy in children with cancer?

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22201/ceide.16076079e.2026.27.3.3

Keywords:

art therapy, chilghood cancer, emotional well-being, complementary therapy, pediatric health, pediatric oncology

Abstract

Behind every childhood cancer diagnosis lies a language many kids haven’t yet learned to speak: the language of emotions. Faced with chemotherapy, fear and uncertainty, art therapy —a discipline that merges art and psychotherapy— offers a paintbrush, clay or color instead of words. This article reviews its theoretical foundations, historical background and clinical applications in pediatric oncology, drawing on the available scientific literature. The studies examined point to encouraging effects: better emotional regulation, more energy and reduced stress among young patients. Still, research in pediatric populations remains in its early stages. The article concludes that stronger empirical evidence is needed to support its systematic implementation in pediatric hospitals and clinics.

Author Biographies

Erika Danae Zepeda Ramirez, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México

Es licenciada en Psicología por la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Realizó prácticas profesionales en el área clínica de salud mental del Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (dif), donde participó en actividades de evaluación, orientación y acompañamiento psicológico. Sus principales intereses se centran en la psicología educativa, la psicooncología pediátrica, la arteterapia, el desarrollo infantil y la investigación aplicada en psicología.

Maria del Consuelo Escoto Ponce de Leon, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Estado de México, México

Es profesora investigadora de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Es integrante del Sistema Nacional de Investigadoras e Investigadores. Es psicóloga certificada por el Consejo Mexicano de Profesionales de la Psicología. Obtuvo la licenciatura, la maestría y el doctorado en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (unam). Es autora de 314 productos de investigación, entre libros, capítulos de libro y memorias en extenso, publicados en diversos países. Desde 2015 forma parte del equipo editorial de la revista Eating and Weight Disorders: Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity. Asimismo, se ha desempeñado como evaluadora acreditada del Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (conacyt) y como consejera técnica para la elaboración del Examen Único de Certificación del Psicólogo del Colegio Mexicano de Profesionistas de la Psicología.

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Published

2026-08-18

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