A Single Case Study of Integrated Art Therapy to Reduce Alexithymia in Early Elderly Women

Maintaining a healthy life in old age is a critical challenge in the context of rapid population aging, making it essential to focus on early old age (65–74 years), a period of notable physical, psychological, and social changes. This study examined a 67-year-old woman in early old age with difficulties in emotional expression, using a 20-session single-case integrated arts therapy program (90 minutes, once or twice weekly) aimed at reducing alexithymia. The program was designed to promote acceptance of both positive and negative emotions, enhance sensory and emotional awareness, and support holistic emotional recovery. Data from pre- and post-assessments (TAS-20K), in-depth interviews, and participant observation were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively to identify changes in emotional recognition, expression, and acceptance. Results showed that sensory-based artistic expression provided a safe channel for externalizing emotions difficult to verbalize and fostered emotional awareness and acceptance, suggesting the potential of integrated arts therapy as a field-based intervention for the emotional well-being of older women in early old age.