Integrating Biotechnological Insights into Cinema therapy for Young Adults with Mental Health Issues: A Systematic Review

Wang Guoqing
Department of New Media Design and Technology, School of Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Kamal Sabran
Department of New Media Design and Technology, School of Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5912/jcb1519

Abstract:

Cinema therapy, a therapeutic technique that involves assigning films related to a participant's issues for viewing and subsequent discussion with a therapist, has been recognized as a complementary therapy to traditional psychotherapy since the 1920s. However, there is limited research specifically focusing on its effectiveness for treating mental health conditions in young adults. This systematic review aims to evaluate the existing literature on cinema therapy as a treatment modality for mental health issues among young adults aged 18 to 39 years, and to identify effective intervention models and the potential benefits for patients. From an initial pool of 1,462 articles published between 2000 and 2022, ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. The results indicate that cinema therapy has shown promise in treating common psychological disorders in young adults across various countries. However, the review also highlights several limitations in the existing studies, including methodological inconsistencies, and gaps related to the gender and age of participants. Future research in this area should focus on more rigorous screening of participants and careful consideration of the severity of mental health conditions to tailor interventions appropriately. Additionally, there is a need for clearer guidelines on film selection and the cinema therapy process to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of this intervention. Integrating biotechnological tools such as neuroimaging and biomarkers could further refine the selection process and help personalize treatment, aligning with the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology’s focus on the application of innovative technologies to improve mental health outcomes.