Suci Nora Julina Putri, Jafar Ahmad, M. Eval Setiawan, Bukhari Ahmad, Riza Amalia, Khairul Bariyyah, Laily Tiarani Soejanto, Restu Dwi Ariyanto, Ari Khusumadewi, Rikas Saputra, Yeni Lidyawati, Deri Saputra, Futri Zakiyah Apria Sapawer, Wilda Purnawati
This letter to the editor provides a critical reflection on the recent meta-analysis by Fernández-Sánchez et al. (2025), which highlights the positive impact of dance and drama-based art therapy on life satisfaction across diverse populations. We commend the authors for their valuable contribution and propose two key considerations for future research. First, integrating additional art therapy modalities, particularly drawing combined with relaxation techniques, may enhance emotional expression and reduce anxiety prior to more active therapeutic activities. Second, long-term follow-up assessments are essential to determine the sustainability of the reported improvements in life satisfaction and their broader influence on mental health and well-being. These recommendations aim to strengthen the evidence base and guide more comprehensive approaches to art therapy interventions. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd
State University of Malang, Indonesia; State Islamic Institute Kerinci, Indonesia; State Islamic University of Sultan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, Indonesia; Department of Guidance and Counseling, Universitas Muhammadiyah, Central Kalimantan, Sampit, Indonesia; University of Kanjuruhan Malang, Indonesia; State University of Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Islamic Guidance and Counseling Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia; Department of Indonesian Language and Literature, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia
