Development and Evaluation of a Neuro-Linguistic Programming-Based Expressive Arts Program for Middle-Aged Adults Using a Nonequivalent Control Group Pretest–Posttest Design

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)-based expressive arts program for middle-aged adults and to evaluate its effects on body awareness, resilience, and interpersonal relationships.Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving an experimental group (n=20) and a control group (n=21) recruited from the D Education Center in G city. The program was delivered in a marathon group format on January 6-7, 2024. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0. Results: The NLP-based expressive arts program was developed as an eight-session, experience-based intervention that integrated cognitive restructuring with sensory and emotional expression. Participants engaged in expressive activities such as drawing, writing, and movement to explore and reconstruct their experiences. The program was structured into four phases: participation, transitional, working, and termination. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvements in body awareness (t=3.20, p=.003), resilience (z=-2.60, p=.009), and interpersonal relationships (t=2.98, p=.005).Conclusion: The NLP-based expressive arts program effectively enhanced body awareness, resilience, and interpersonal relationships in middle-aged adults, indicating its potential as a mental health promotion intervention for this demographic.