Table 4 Summary of themes with example codes and quotes
Theme | Illustrative code | Illustrative quote | Source/reference |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Emotional Processing and Expression through Symbolic Creation | Turning distress into manageable visual form | 鈥�The task gave me an opportunity to turn my frustrations into something more manageable.鈥� | [36] |
| 听 | Letting go through symbolic art | 鈥�I allowed myself to accept the memory and to let go a little.鈥� | [36] |
2. Adaptive Communication and Nonverbal Connection | Nonverbal understanding | 鈥�Art helped us understand each other without speaking鈥� it was just there, visible.鈥� | [33] |
| 听 | Digital image-sharing as emotional expression | 鈥�We shared images on social media and it felt like we were speaking the same language.鈥� | [33] |
3. Communal Support and Collective Meaning-Making | Shared art as mutual support | 鈥�We created something together that we could show others. That gave me strength.鈥� | [34] |
| 听 | Collective recognition and meaning | 鈥�Even online, I felt part of something鈥� it was more than just drawing, it was being seen.鈥� | [37] |
4. Empowerment and Regaining Agency | Feeling empowered through creation | 鈥�It provides me with feelings of control, power, and self-confidence.鈥� | [36] |
| 听 | Regaining purpose through art | 鈥�Doing something with my hands helped me feel useful again.鈥� | [38] |
| 听 | Emotional transformation through drawing | 鈥�My feelings became less scary. The process of drawing relaxed me.鈥� | [36] |
| 听 | Visual marker of progress and growth | 鈥�I look at my painting and see how far I鈥檝e come. It鈥檚 proof of healing.鈥� | [35] |