Art Therapeutic Methods of Work by a Psychologist with Anxious Teenagers in an Educational Institution

Abstract

Introduction. Anxiety is one of the most common problems faced by teenagers. Factors contributing to anxiety in adolescents may be related to personal characteristics, social, biological factors, and economic conditions. All this determines the relevance of the research topic and the need to develop and implement a correctional and developmental program in educational institutions that helps reduce anxiety levels. The novelty of the study lies in the identification of certain dynamics of anxiety and self-esteem indicators in adolescents after remedial classes using art therapy methods. Purpose. The study of the dynamics of adolescent anxiety in the process of implementing a correctional program using art therapy methods.Materials and methods. To assess anxiety, O. Kondash’s social-situational anxiety scale and Ch. D. Spielberger’s scale for assessing the level of reactive and personal anxiety (adapted by Yu. L. Khanin) were used; to measure the level of selfesteem, the self-esteem diagnostic technique of T. Dembo – S. Rubinstein . The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis by using the Mann-Whitney U test.Results. The study involved 84 teenagers (from 14 to 16 years old) studying at a secondary school. After conducting classes on the correction of anxiety in adolescents using art therapy methods, significantly significant differences were revealed on the scales of “self-esteem anxiety”, “situational anxiety” and on the indicator of “self-confidence”. It was found that the level of self-esteem and situational anxiety in the experimental group is lower, and self-confidence is higher than in the control group.Discussion. The program of art therapy sessions with adolescents allowed not only to diagnose, but also to correct indicators related to anxiety and self-esteem. The data obtained as a result of the study can be used in the psychological support of anxious adolescents.