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The present doctoral study investigates the effectiveness of art therapy group interventions combined with elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing stress and psychological distress symptoms among adult refugees. The aim is to promote emotional stabilization, self-efficacy and social participation through creative, resource-oriented processes. At the core of the project is the development of a manualized intervention concept, evaluated within a mixed-methods study design. The manual comprises three phases:

1. building relationships and establishing safety,
2. exploring emotional themes through artistic expression and ACT-based values work, and
3. integration and closure.

The methods aim to strengthen internal stability, foster mindful present-moment awareness and enhance the experience of agency despite challenging life circumstances, drawing on the ACT Hexaflex model. The integration of ACT and art therapy offers particularly strong potential for this target group: while ACT supports the acceptance of difficult thoughts and emotions and encourages values-based action, art therapy provides a non-verbal gateway to inner experience and culturally anchored forms of expression. For individuals with forced migration backgrounds – who are often marginalized linguistically, culturally and systemically – this creates a therapeutic space for resonance, expression and new beginnings. In Germany, there is a notable lack of systematically evaluated, culturally sensitive and preventive art therapy interventions for adult refugees. This research project therefore positions itself as a model contribution to the development of low-threshold, interdisciplinary and evidence-based approaches within the socio-therapeutic field – at the intersection of therapy, culture and social participation.