A study of person-centered expressive arts therapy in group psychoeducation to reduce academic burnout among higher vocational college students

Academic burnout is a growing concern among students in Chinese higher vocational colleges, yet empirically validated, student-centered interventions remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Person-Centered Expressive Art Therapy (PCEAT) in group psychoeducation to reduce academic burnout among Chinese higher vocational college students. It was hypothesized that PCEAT would lead to significant reductions in students’ burnout levels. A quasi-experimental design was adopted, involving an experimental group receiving PCEAT-based psychoeducation and a control group receiving no treatment. The intervention lasted for four weeks and included a total of 52 participants. The Academic Burnwere Scale for College Students was used to assess burnout levels, and data was analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Results showed significant differences in burnout scores across grades, majors, and genders. The experimental group demonstrated marked reductions in overall burnout and its dimensions post-intervention, with effects sustained at a three-month follow-up. Theoretically, the study enriches understanding of academic burnout and broadens the application of PCEAT in vocational education. The study also establishes an empirical model demonstrating how PCEAT can effectively reduce academic burnout through group psychoeducation. Practically, it offers an innovative approach to mental health support in higher vocational settings. Future research should employ randomized controlled designs, extended follow-ups, and mixed method approaches to further explore the long-term effects and mechanisms of PCEAT.