In the absence of a systematic research agenda in the field of art therapy the aim of this project was to conduct a multi-phase sequential mixed methods study. The first phase involved conducting a scoping review of publications and conference presentations to determine current research trends. The findings of the scoping review were used to initiate the second phase– the construction of a survey. The survey was disseminated to art therapists internationally and the results were used partially to generate a focus group interview protocol. The focus group was convened to explore questions from the survey requiring more in-depth examination. The integrative analysis of the data in these first two phases assisted in the development of several preliminary recommendations for identifying philosophies, methodologies, and evidence-informed practices that will advance the generation of art therapy knowledge and aid in the development of a strategic plan.

由于艺术治疗领域缺乏系统的研究议程，该项目的目的是进行多阶段顺序混合方法研究。第一阶段涉及对出版物和会议演讲进行范围审查，以确定当前的研究趋势。范围界定审查的结果用于启动第二阶段——调查的构建。该调查已分发给国际艺术治疗师，部分结果用于制定焦点小组访谈方案。召开焦点小组会议是为了探讨调查中需要更深入研究的问题。对前两个阶段数据的综合分析有助于制定一些初步建议，以确定哲学、方法论、