The idea for this Bachelor´s thesis arose out of the author’s personal interest to study the effect of using arts in psychiatric nursing, especially with patients with personality disorders. The results of the study were presented to the staff of the psychiatric unit in Kanta-Häme Central hospital.

This thesis reports a literature review which draws together findings from studies using arts in psychiatric nursing, especially patients with personality disorders. Psychiatric nursing literature as well as the literature related to art therapy formed the background theory. Electric study articles and one doctoral thesis were the database. They were analyzed in accordance with content analysis. The conclusions of content analysis were reflected on the background theory.

This thesis shows that art therapy in psychiatric nursing for individuals with personality disorders has been studied very little. Research has been conducted primarily related to visual arts and music therapy. According to the findings of this thesis art therapy may be beneficial for the patients with personality disorders to express their emotions and previous traumatic experiences. Art therapy seems to reduce the patient´s symptoms and increase his or her capacity for coping. In addition, art also seems to be helpful for sustaining the therapeutic relationship. Art therapy seems to enhance the patient’s self-awareness and compliance to the therapeutic cooperation.

Existing psychiatric nursing literature as well as the literature related to art therapy supports the content analysis conclusions. However, more research is required in order for wider conclusions to be drawn. Psychiatric health care professionals and possibly also the persons with personality disorders can take advantage of using arts in therapy.