Art after school: could painting and drawing boost Children's mental health?

NCT ID NCT07165704

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether weekly one-hour art sessions, led by professional artists, could improve self-concept, emotional well-being, and quality of life in 172 children aged 6 to 12 from low-income neighborhoods. The program ran for nine months and included community art shows. Researchers compared children who took part with those on a waiting list to see if the arts helped them feel better and adjust psychologically.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

visual arts sessions (painting, drawing, printing)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a low-cost, community-based way to boost children's mental health and self-esteem.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with no blinding, so results may be influenced by expectations or other factors. The intervention is not a medical treatment and may not produce lasting changes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • A Associação de Promoção Social da População do Bairro do Aleixo

    Porto, 4150-193, Portugal

  • ASAS (Associação de Solidariedade e Ação Social de Ramalde)

    Porto, 4250-323, Portugal

  • Associação de Solidariedade da Zona das Fontainhas

    Porto, 4000-527, Portugal

  • Centro Social do Lagarteiro

    Porto, 4300-282, Portugal

  • Escola Básica de Montebello

    Porto, 4350-280, Portugal

  • Escola Básica de São Roque da Lameira

    Porto, 4350-297, Portugal

  • Escola Básica do Falcão

    Porto, 4300-178, Portugal

  • Escola do Parque Centro de Bem-estar Social Nossa Senhora do Socorro

    Porto, 4100-033, Portugal

  • Espaço Raíz

    Porto, 4100-029, Portugal

  • Paróquia de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda - Pasteleira

    Porto, 4300-004, Portugal