Mood disorder is a common mental health problem, which has a negative impact on the quality of life and work of patients. The intervention methods of educational psychology have been widely used in the treatment of patients with mood disorders. Suzhou folk art is a unique cultural tradition with rich artistic expression and emotional expression, which may play a positive role in the psychological function of patients with mood disorders.

Sixty patients diagnosed with mood disorders were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received a 12-week Suzhou folk art intervention to improve their mental health through learning and participating in Suzhou folk art forms, and the control group received regular treatment and nursing. Both groups were evaluated using the Stanford Acute Stress Response Questionnaire (SASRQ) and the Three-Minute Delirium Diagnostic Scale (3D-CAM) before and after the intervention.

The results showed that there was a statistical difference compared with the control group (significance level less than 0.05). In the experimental group, the degree of mood disorder was significantly reduced, and the mental health status was also significantly improved. At the same time, the experimental group showed more positive emotional expression and participation in artistic creation activities during the intervention period.

Suzhou folk art can promote the emotional release of patients with mood disorders and enhance their mental toughness. The introduction of Suzhou folk art into local higher vocational art education is helpful in improving the mental health level and quality of life of patients with mood disorders.

Research achievements of key projects in the 13th Five-Year Plan of Jiangsu Education Science in 2016 (No. T-a/2016/03); Suzhou Higher Vocational Education Teachers’ Innovation Team; Chongqing Humanities and Social Sciences Research Project (No. 19SKGH225).