Group Art Therapy Research Articles

Effects of online group art therapy on psychological distress and quality of life after family bereavement: In COVID-19 pandemic

This study examined the effects of online group art therapy on adults who lost family members using three instruments to measure depression, grief, and quality of life in a randomized controlled trial. Of the thirty-six participants who experienced the death of a family member, 20 were assigned to the experimental group participating in online group art therapy over eight sessions 1-hour once a week, and 16 were assigned to the control group with no intervention. In the experimental group, online group art therapy reduced depression and grief while improving the quality of life. The findings show the promise of online group art therapy in helping adults who have lost family members by relieving psychological distress and enhancing their quality of life.

마음이론에 근거한 자폐스펙트럼 장애(ASD) 성인 집단미술치료 사례: 사회적 상호작용 및 정서표현을 중심으로

본 연구는 자폐스펙트럼 중증의 성인을 대상으로 마음이론에 근거한 집단미술치료를 실시하여 사회적 상호 작용과 정서 표현의 변화에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 연구 대상자는 주간보호시설에서 생활하고 있는 20~30대 자폐스펙트럼을 가진 성인으로 정서적 문제와 공존 병리가 없고, 정서 표현을 측정할 수 있는 대상 5명을 선정하였다. 프로그램은 주 1~2회 40분간 총 12회기 시설에서 시행되었다. 사회적 상호작용의 변화를 살펴보기 위해 비언어적·언어적 행동을 범주화하여 사회적 상호작용 빈도 관찰 체크리스트를 사용 하였으며, 정서표현의 변화를 보기 위해 정서이해 반응 기록지와 프로그램 일지를 작성하였다. 표현이 어려 운 대상자를 위해 회기마다 동영상을 촬영하였으며 연구 결과의 신뢰도와 타당도를 위해 평가자 간 신뢰도 를 산출하였다. 이에 따른 연구 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 마음이론에 근거한 집단미술치료를 통해 자폐스펙 트럼 장애 성인의 사회적 상호작용에 긍정적인 변화가 나타났다. 마음이론에 근거한 집단미술치료 프로그램 은 자폐스펙트럼 성인의 사회적 상호작용에 있어, 마음이론의 전조 능력의 하나인 시각적 주의 이해하기에 도움을 주었다. 둘째, 대상자들이 사람의 얼굴, 표정, 상황에 근거한 정서를 인지하는 모습을 보였다. 마음이 론에 근거한 미술치료 프로그램이 자폐스펙트럼 장애인의 정서 인지를 도왔으며, 정서 표현의 확장 가능성 까지 확인할 수 있었다. 본 연구는 마음이론에 근거한 미술치료가 중증 자폐스펙트럼 장애인에게 어느 정도 단계까지 적용할 수 있는지 가능성을 밝혔으며, 마음이론에 근거한 미술치료의 기초 자료를 제공한다는 점에 의의를 둘 수 있다.

The Effects of Online Art Group Therapy on University Students’ Personal and Emotional Awareness: A Qualitative Study

Bu araştırmanın amacı, bir grup üniversite öğrencisi ile gerçekleştirilen çevrimiçi sanatla grup terapinin öğrencilerin kişisel ve duygusal farkındalıkları üzerindeki etkilerini incelemektir. 6 hafta süresince uygulanan çevrimiçi sanatla grup terapi atölyeleri öncesinde tüm katılımcılara duygusal öz farkındalık, kaygı ve depresyon ön değerlendirme testleri uygulanmıştır. Ön değerlendirme için kullanılan ölçekler, geçerlilik ve güvenirliği ispatlanmış olan “Duygusal Öz Farkındalık Ölçeği-10” ve “Hastane Anksiyete ve Depresyon Ölçeği’dir. Niteliksel bulgular, katılımcıların her oturum sonrası ve tüm oturumlar sonrasında doldurdukları açık uçlu sorulardan oluşan “Sanat Terapi Oturumunu Değerlendirme Anketi” ve “Grup Sürecini Değerlendirme Anketi” yanıtlarının fenomenolojik analizinden elde edilmiştir. Yorumlayıcı fenomenolojik analiz sonucundan elde edilen içgörü kazanımı teması ile yapılan sanatla grup terapi oturumlarının, kişisel farkındalık edinimi üzerinde etkili olduğu; bunun yanı sıra duygusal farkındalık edinimi, duygusal dışavurum ve duygusal regülasyon becerisi üzerinde etkileri olduğu görülmektedir. Bunlarla birlikte katılımcıların yazılı geribildirimlerinden çevrimiçi sanatla grup terapi sürecindeki grup içi iletişimin kendilerini açmayı sağladığı, grupta yapılan paylaşımların kendilerini rahatlattığı, gruptakilerle özdeşim kurma, paylaşımlardan öğrenme ve farkındalık edinme gibi etkileri olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.

Exploring intimate partner violence survivors’ experiences with group art therapy

ABSTRACT Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the major health and human rights issues of our time, affecting one in three women worldwide. Despite IPV’s prevalence, limited research investigates the healing process for survivors or the efficacy of group art therapy (GAT). This study is grounded by a person-centred approach to art therapy and an interpretive method, highlighting the contextualised nature of reality and experience of social phenomena. Aims The aims of this community-based, qualitative study were to explore women IPV survivors’ experiences of GAT and better understand what aspects of GAT contribute to healing. Methods During 2018–2019, six women were interviewed about their experiences of participating in a 12-week GAT program within a Canadian domestic violence prevention agency. The transcribed interviews were analyzed with the method of thematic analysis. Results Four themes emerged from the analysis, and an overarching theme/pattern was identified through interpretation of these themes. The overarching theme was transformative healing, which women appeared to experience by creating connections in a safe space, using visual metaphors in their art-pieces, reclaiming an empowered self, and building resilience. Conclusion This study found that GAT was experienced as providing a relational component to healing and as fostering self-expression, inner and interpersonal growth, and confidence. Implications Art therapists and other mental health practitioners who support survivors may want to consider the unique contributions of art making when designing interventions. Future research should examine which arts-based interventions delivered in a group therapy context can promote IPV survivors’ mental health and wellness. Plain-language summary This article shares information from a qualitative study about group art therapy (GAT) for women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV affects one in three women worldwide, including 6–8% of married/cohabiting women in Canada. Despite IPV’s prevalence, limited research investigates the healing process for survivors or the benefits of GAT services and approaches. This study was conducted in partnership with a non-profit organisation serving women survivors in a small Southwestern Ontario municipality. The aims of this study were to explore women IPV survivors’ experiences of GAT within a domestic violence prevention agency, and better understand what aspects of the GAT process, if any, contribute to healing. The study involved interviews and an arts-based research component with six participants who completed the organisation’s 12-week GAT program. Researchers utilised thematic analysis, a method of uncovering key themes across the interviews, to learn how participants experienced the GAT program. Through the process of thematic analysis, the study found that participants appeared to experience transformative healing by creating connections with the therapists, peers, and art media in a safe space; using visual metaphors in their art-pieces to symbolise their emotions and future possibilities; reclaiming an empowered self, which was creative, playful, and hopeful; and building strength and resilience through the group process. This study found that art therapy in a group context was experienced as providing a relational component to healing and as fostering self-expression, inner and interpersonal growth, and increased confidence. Art therapists and other mental health practitioners who support survivors may, therefore, want to consider the unique contributions of art and art making when designing interventions. Future research should examine which specific arts-based interventions delivered in a formal group therapy context can promote mental health and wellness in individuals who have experienced IPV.

Cross-cultural art therapy in the virtual realm: reimagining cultural proficiency in Kenya

ABSTRACT Background This article describes a remote psychosocial art therapy group for educators in Kenya, led by a Barbadian and an American art therapist, and explores cross-cultural considerations. Context Intervention took place in Kibera, Kenya, an economically disadvantaged urban area, in 2020–2021. Group participants explored experiences of trauma and loss, as illustrated in art therapy case examples, and psychoeducation was provided on arts-based, trauma-informed interventions for children. Approach Group goals were developed in conjunction with the hosting Kenyan NGOs. Outcomes Ongoing adaptations and flexibility were needed due to cross-cultural challenges and the group’s remote status. The art therapists strove to ground themselves in a reflexive, self-aware stance. Conclusions Despite the group’s remote status and varied cultural dilemmas, flexibility and the centring of participant voices promoted group cohesion. Art-making and the group container enabled the expression of shared trauma, loss, faith, and resilience. Group members introduced their own arts traditions into the group, building resilience and taking leadership. Implications for research Cross-cultural art therapy interventions hold promise if group participants are given the space to lead and set their own goals. Future studies should continue to identify challenges that arise in cross-cultural art therapy settings while also examining the long-term effects and efficacy of these interventions. Plain-language summary This article describes a remote art therapy project led in Kenya by a Barbadian and an American art therapist. It was hosted by two Kenyan NGOs, and was implemented by the Red Pencil, an international humanitarian organisation. Through the lens of this experience, the authors explore cross-cultural, remote art therapy practice, and its essential grounding in cultural competence, cultural humility, and the consideration of cross-cultural power dynamics. They share their experiences of implementing a remote art therapy group in Kibera, Kenya, a disadvantaged urban area, with Kenyan educators during the COVID-19 pandemic, and describe their aims to provide psychosocial support while maintaining an ethically informed, collaborative stance that centred participant voices. Flexibility and creativity were paramount to combat technical difficulties and limitations of the virtual space. Group cohesion and safety were fostered as participants adaptively initiated practices of healing and socialisation that were rooted in their own cultural traditions. Art therapy assisted in promoting expression and solidarity, as illustrated in case examples, for group members facing trauma, loss, and strains of the pandemic. Recommended future research includes the ongoing identification of challenges that arise in cross-cultural art therapy settings, and the examination of the long-term effects and efficacy of these interventions.

아동의 스트레스에 관한 집단미술치료의 국내 연구동향 분석

Objectives The study was performed of contribution to establish and develop system of the Group Art Therapy Studies for relief and decrease of children's stress in Korea and to seek for direction as practical application reference resource for the field by means of systematic analysis focused on Korean study trends related to the Group Art Therapy. Methods In order to perform the study, 45 master's theses and 19 academic journals; totally 64 articles which were able to browse on line from Korea Education & Research Information Service, National Assembly Library and National Museum of Korea were selected as final subjects and analyzed by frequency and percentage statistics. Results The results of the study are as follows. First, the analysis by the basic research categorization showed that the Group Art Therapy Researches for Stressed Children seemed performed constantly from early 2000 in Korea. Second, the distribution by the clinical diagnosis of the objects for study showed that the composition of the groups was even in grades and the number of participates from 5 to 7. Third, the analysis by the contents of the studies revealed that most studies were about daily stress, and focused on the activities to enhance positive self-concept and self-esteem. Also consisting of 1 or 2 times a week total of 16 to 20 sessions and 60 to 70 minutes. Fourth, the result through the study trends analysis showed that the Ex ante and Ex post controlled experimental design method was the most commonly selected design pattern of the studies. Conclusions This study is significance in that it suggested the use of the field of Group Art Therapy on children's stress and the direction of research in the future.

Modified amusement park technique with a SUD population in a residential setting

This article presents a modified version of the amusement park technique administered to a substance use disorder population in a residential treatment center. Following an overview of the amusement park technique and method, I present three vignettes that illustrate how the modified task was a potentially less threatening, novel way to engage clients with a therapeutic intervention that provided assessment and treatment value. Additionally, the amusement park motif had the capability to mirror the everyday human conditions that are often experienced by clients, including highs and lows, escape, repeating cycles, loss of control, risk taking, and pleasure seeking. Sharing their drawings enabled clients to reflect on their substance use and mental health issues and encouraged constructive connections among clients in the art therapy group.

Brief Report: An Art Therapy Pilot Dyadic (parent/caregiver and child) Telehealth for Children Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, the vulnerable within our community had limited access to resources. Children of determination have encountered disruption to therapeutic services especially from March 2020 to November 2020. The pilot attempted to address question(s) of feasibility in maintaining services, preventing mental health and deterioration of symptoms and behaviour, and in increasing access to resources for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research looked to question, if online services could substitute in-person services with this population, and to determine plausibility of online group art therapy services for children and their caregivers. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health is still unclear; early published reports indicate the onset of moderate to severe depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress, potentially having a prolonged psychological impact on some individuals (Qiu et al., 2020). Overall, there is a lack of literature on art therapy in the region, and more so for online intervention, specifically in support of ASD during the pandemic. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a person’s ability to communicate, socialize, and respond to certain stimuli within environments. Parents, pediatricians, and nurseries typically identify concerns that prompt diagnosis, ideally by age 3; prevalence is higher in males than females (Elsabbagh et al., 2012). ASD is recognized by delayed language development, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, impacting imagination, and difficulty with social interaction (Rapin & Dunn, 1997). Overall, the Middle East has had relatively little published research on ASD etiology, although statistics indicate that ASD affects 1 in 146 births in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Virolainen, 2020). Genetic linkage such as kinship and multiparity is culturally and regionally common. Epidemiological research into autism in the UAE is relatively new. The prevalence of autism likely remains underdetermined as many cases of autism potentially go undiagnosed within the community due to stigma and lack of awareness; mild cases can be unnoticed, and delayed diagnoses might result from a lack of focus or training in the area of early intervention (Salhia et al., 2014). It is, therefore, crucial that there is a continuation of support without disruption. Art Therapy is an integrative mental health profession that engages participants with the creative process, active art-making, and integrated psychological theory within the context of a therapeutic relationship (American Art Therapy Association, 2020). Art psychotherapists have a minimum of a master’s degree in art psychotherapy with clinical practice and supervised experience before gaining professional registration, a rigorous process. Children with autism are generally referred to art therapy specifically in the West (Martin, 2009; Teeuw, 2011) to support coping with communication challenges, behaviour, and low self-esteem (Schweizer et al., 2014; Schweizer et al., 2017). Research demonstrates that children with autism are expected to benefit from a non-verbal treatment such as art therapy, through sensory exploration, looking at, and shaping art materials to facilitate expression (Malchiodi, 2003; Rubin, 2001; Schweizer et al., 2009). This pilot study explores if conducting art therapy online would be beneficial and fill the gap when in-person services are not possible.

Brief, structured, group art therapy for women with breast and/or gynaecological cancer

ABSTRACT Background This paper describes a structured group approach for women vulnerable to psychological distress following treatment for breast and/or gynaecological cancer. Aims Set in Hong Kong, the aim was to develop and pilot a brief art therapy intervention sensitive to local concerns and the specific needs of service-users. Methods A mixed methods study was developed and piloted in two phases over six-years in collaboration with female service-users recovering from breast and/or gynaecological cancer treatment. Key therapeutic goals and core themes were identified in phase 1 leading to the piloting of a six-session structured intervention with six groups in phase 2. This was evaluated using qualitative and quantitative methods: through service-user feedback and reflections; informal feedback captured through the art therapy process; and pre and post assessment of emotional distress (Distress Thermometer) and mental wellness (C-SWEMWBS). Results A consistent six-session structure was developed addressing four therapeutic goals: stress release and relaxation; amelioration of psychological and emotional distress; exploration of self-image; promotion of self-acceptance and awareness. Six core themes relating to loss and readjustment were established through the art therapy process. Participants experienced statistically significant reductions in psychological distress and increased mental well-being. Conclusion A new brief, structured, group art therapy approach was developed for women recovering from breast and/or gynaecological cancer treatment. Implications for practice/policy/future research The study contributes to the evidence base for the efficacy of art therapy in psycho-oncology and highlights the importance of service-user involvement in the design of a tailored, culturally sensitive, intervention responsive to local concerns. Plain-language summary This paper describes a brief art therapy group approach for women in recovery from treatment for breast and/or gynaecological cancer who are finding it difficult to adjust to changes in their bodies and the way they see themselves in the world. The aim of the project was to explore the use of a participatory approach to develop and test a brief art therapy intervention designed to meet the specific needs of such women. The project took place in Hong Kong, in a community cancer service offering support with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The theme-based group model was developed in two phases over six years in collaboration with female participants, all of whom were over the age of eighteen and had received treatment for breast and/or gynaecological cancer in the previous two years. Four therapeutic goals were identified: relaxation, reduction of emotional distress; exploration of feelings about oneself in the world, and awareness and acceptance of various aspects of oneself and one’s situation. Common issues relating to feelings of loss and difficulties adjusting to bodily changes led to the further identification of six core themes. These were creatively explored through the art therapy process leading to the development of a consistent six-session structure. The themed group approach was evaluated through service-user feedback and reflections, informal feedback during the art therapy process, and established measurement tools for assessing emotional distress and mental wellness. Results suggest an overall reduction in emotional distress with improvements in mental wellbeing. This contributes to the evidence base for the efficacy of art therapy in cancer care. Positive outcomes also reflect the participants’ involvement in the design of a culturally sensitive intervention responsive to local needs.

The Effect of Small Group Art Therapy on Human Relationships and Self-Esteem of School Maladaptive-Behavior College Students

The Effect of Small Group Art Therapy on Human Relationships and Self-Esteem of School Maladaptive-Behavior College Students

Exploring the Impacts of an Art and Narrative Therapy Program on Participants' Grief and Bereavement Experiences.

Grief and bereavement impact nearly every individual at some point of their lives, often having short or long-term physical and psychosocial impacts. Yet, these issues are rarely the focus of discussion, intensive therapy programs, or policy initiatives (Corr, 2002; Doka, 2002). This research explores the impacts of a closed group art and narrative therapy program in Ontario for individuals experiencing a grief or bereavement process following the loss of a loved one. It explores the grief experiences of art therapy participants during their time in the program, the nature, extent, and impacts of social and community connections that were made, how the program influenced grief over time, and the overall effectiveness of the program. This study suggests that art and narrative therapy hold great therapeutic potential as a tool to help individuals going through a grief or bereavement process.

Transnational Counseling for Mass Trauma

Abstract. The authors examined the experiences of nine American doctoral students completing a clinical psychology practicum in a primary care clinic in Blanchard, Haiti. This training followed natural and human-made disasters that have traumatized Haitians since the 2010 earthquake. The clinical psychology training program partnered with Haitian medical staff and the trainees provided diverse services, incorporating the use of community-based translators: individual counseling; art and play therapy groups for children; psychoeducational classes; and support groups for diabetic, cardiac, and sickle cell disorder patients. In addition, they conducted research on child disaster trauma assessment and engaged in community resilience-building conversations. The trainees wrote daily self-reflections recounting their challenges, cultural and economic differences, successes, expectations, fears, and personal and professional development. Ninety daily reflection notes were coded applying the consensual qualitative research method. A coding team identified domains and their respective categories/themes in relation to two research questions addressing doctoral clinical psychology trainees’ experiences of a practicum in Haiti and their Haitian clients’ mass trauma and responses to counseling interventions. The domains related to experiences of the Haiti practicum were Impact of Practicum Experiences in Haiti on Doctoral Trainees and Use of Translators in Global Mental Health Practice. The domains related to intervention experiences in this international trauma-affected community were Transnational Disaster Counseling, Respect for Human and Civic Rights, and Haitian Client-Specific Practice. The findings have direct implications for training in transnational disaster counseling and accessibility to services.

Structuring of specialized treatment applied to people with suicidea ttemptin an academic psychiatric service in Rio de Janeiro city

IntroductionDescription of a specialized treatment program for people attempting suicide in an academic health service focused on psychiatry and drug addiction in the city of Rio de Janeiro.ObjectivesDescribe actions developed to treat suicidal behavior.MethodsBased on a survey of the prevalence of suicidal behavior in the Brazilian population over a lifetime, reaching a total of 12,000 cases per year of the Brazilian population, this academic service of psychiatry and drug addiction established the following actions for hospitalized patients: 24-hour surveillance, reduced access to methods of committing suicide (forks and knives removal, shoelaces and ropes removal), strengthening the GVV (Life Valuation Group), strengthening the Cognitive Behavior Therapy application groups, conducting group dynamics, lectures, art therapy and physical activities.Results Of 370 patients admitted to this service from January 1st, 2019 to September 1st, 2019, 137 had suicidal behavior and only 2 died.ConclusionsOf these two cases, one abandoned treatment and the other occurred during the treatment period.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

P169 The impact of online art therapy groups for paediatric rheumatology patients

Abstract Background/Aims In January 2020 art therapy was offered to rheumatology patients at the Great North Children’s Hospital supported by the Teapot Trust, as open groups and 1:1 ward-based interventions. However, this service was suspended due to Covid 19 restrictions. In response to these restrictions and to the needs of the patients we offered weekly online art therapy groups. Methods The rheumatology team referred patients directly to the art therapist and groups were allocated. The aim was to provide a safe space for the exploration of difficult thoughts and feelings and to give opportunities for peer support and interaction. Group members defined their own goals, including: ‘to feel less worried about medical procedures’ or ‘to feel less lonely’. Parents also identified goals, including: ‘to provide something different for their child to associate with rheumatology treatment.’ Themes brought to sessions included medical anxiety, isolation, coping with loss, feeling different, resilience, control, independence and identity. Progress in therapy was measured using Goal Based Outcomes and online surveys, allowing children to report on their own progress. Results After six sessions all group participants reported progress towards meeting their individual goals. Clinical staff shared: “the last 18 months has been challenging for our patients and the need for additional therapy cannot be underestimated”, “we have had to adapt to provide art therapy and the ease of referral has made my job easier”, “our patients have valued and enjoyed their sessions, they can connect with each other so don’t feel so isolated with their diagnosis or treatment.” Parent feedback included: my daughter “was not in a very good place, she was very down and also grieving, these sessions have been invaluable to her, she has gained a lot of confidence in talking about her feelings and expressing them through art has been a great help.” My child “has been able to speak to other children like herself. To make friends and to open up a bit more.” “I have been surprised by how much of what they put down on paper was about the hospital. These are things that they don’t talk about and it has been an eye opener for me.” Patient's feedback included: it was important “to discuss my feelings in a safe environment without anyone thinking they were silly”, “Thank you for helping me express my feelings and have confidence to speak out”. Conclusion Offering art therapy online creates a forum for sharing experiences and developing a community. It has shown a positive impact on the wellbeing of the patients and their carers. In response to the positive feedback, the service will continue on a rolling basis. Disclosure M.H. Keane: None.

Effect of Group Art Therapy on Learned Helplessness and Self-Leadership

Purpose: Group art therapy is the introduction of art to group psychotherapy, and the client observes how others in similar situations solve their problems through group activities. In addition, through this, they can give and receive help among themselves and form an organic bond. Group art therapy has the characteristic that art activities help promote emotional expression that has been suppressed in the past, and self-exposure and self-understanding are actively presented in the group. group art therapy helps the subject to have a deep insight into his or her inner self to solve problems and build a positive self-image. As a result of examining the programs related to learned helplessness, efforts on measures to reduce helplessness could be found. By conducting group art therapy on learned helplessness and self-leadership, we tried to change negative perceptions and behaviors and increase positive views through group interactions and successful experiences in the art therapy process to help rational decision-making. As such, the purpose of this study is to provide basic data on a counseling approach that gives a sense of accomplishment and converts negative moti-vation into positive motivation to reduce learned helplessness and improve self-leadership through group art therapy programs. Method: Based on the results of the basic research, major variables and related programs related to the learned helplessness and self-leadership of college students were analyzed through various literature and previ-ous research data and reflected in the preliminary program. A preliminary program was conducted to secure empirical evidence for the revision and improvement of the group art therapy program organized according to the program procedure to understand the acceptance of participants and the effectiveness of the program. It consists of verifying the effectiveness of the group art therapy program for college students. To verify the effectiveness, 10 experimental groups and control groups were formed for students at D University located in Daegu, Gyeong-sangbuk-do, and from April to June 2021, it was conducted twice a week for 100 minutes and a total of 10 sessions. Results: In the experimental group, there was a significant difference in learned helplessness and self-leadership. In the case of learned helplessness sub-factors, it was found that there was a significant effect in sub-factors excluding depression and negative perception. In the sub-factors of self-leadership, significant effects were found after the program. Conclusion: As discussed in this study, it was found that the group art therapy program is effective in reducing learned help-lessness and promoting self-leadership of college students.

Study on Qualitative Case of Group Art Therapy Aimed at Peer Relationships Experience of Elementary School Students

본 연구의 목적은 또래관계 향상을 위한 방과 후 집단미술치료에서 초등학생들이 어떤 경험을 하고 그 경험의 의미가 무엇인 지를 탐구하는 데 있다. 이를 위해 A 초등학교에 재학 중인 3학년 학생 6명을 참여자로 선정하고, 2021년 9월 27일부터 10월 20일까지 회당 90분간 총 10회기의 방과 후 집단미술치료를 실시하였다. 집단미술치료 회기 내 자료와 면담을 통해 수집된 자료는 질적으로 분석되어 8개의 상위주제와 21개의 하위주제가 도출되었다. 본 연구의 결과를 바탕으로 내린 결론은 다음과 같다. 첫째, 참여자들은 코로나-19로 고립된 상황을 벗어나 미술 작업을 하며 또래와 친밀감을 쌓고 도움을 주고 받으며 긍정적 관계 경험을 하였다. 둘째, 참여자들은 미술 활동을 하면서 갈등 상황을 마주하게 되고, 그 안에서 관계의 어려움을 해결하는 방법을 배우게 되었다. 셋째, 참여자들은 미술을 통해 또래와 다양한 감정을 나누고, 동료애를 느끼며 서로 배려하고 응원하는 존재가 되었다.The purpose of this study is to investigate what experiences elementary school students have and the meaning of those experiences in after-school group art therapy for improve peer relationships. The participants in this study are six 3rd graders at A elementary school. The case study lasted from Sep. 27 2021 through Oct. 20 2021 and conducted 10-time sessions. Data collected through interview and data within the group art therapy session were analyzed using a qualitative case study method, and 8 super-topics and 21 sub-topics were derived. The results of this study show as follows. First, the participants, beyond the shackle of the pandemic resulting in estrangement, engaged in art activity to create emotional bond with their peers, reciprocating emotional support and contributing to positive interpersonal experiences. Second, the participants were able to confront conflicts while engaging in art activity, becoming acquainted with how to settle difficulties from relationship. Third, the participants could share a variety of emotions with their peers through art, feeling emotional bond and experiencing mutual support and love.

Online Art Therapy With Refugee Children: A Feasibility Study (Art-thérapie en ligne avec des enfants réfugiés : une étude de faisabilité)

Refugees predominantly reside in countries where accessing art therapy is difficult due to the limited number of trained art therapists. Thus, online group art therapy may be a valuable intervention method in areas where art therapy services are scarce. This study explored the feasibility and perceived value of online group art therapy with refugee children living in Istanbul, Turkey. Eight children were recruited, and seven children completed the three-week intervention. Standardized measures were used to understand each participant’s emotional state, strengths, and general level of life satisfaction. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the children’s experiences of online group art therapy. The quantitative results documented little to no change. The qualitative analysis led to three themes: technological challenges, emotional difficulties for the children, and intervention challenges for the therapist. The mixed methods results suggest a congruency between the quantitative results and the children’s experiences of online art therapy.

A Case Study of Group Art Therapy for Self-exploration and Improvement of Peer-relationship Skills of Special Class Adolescents

목적 본 연구는 집단미술치료가 특수학급 청소년의 자기탐색 및 또래관계기술 향상에 긍정적 변화로 나타나는지 탐색하는 데 목적이 있다. 방법 본 연구의 집단미술치료는 경기도 P 중학교 특수학급에 재학 중인 청소년 2명을 대상으로 2021년 4월 2일부터 7월 9일까지 주 1회 200분, 총 14회기로 진행하였다. 연구자료 수집 및 분석은 기관 담당자의 보고 및 면담자료, 치료사의 회기평가 및 관찰일지, 사전⋅사후 KSD 그림검사를 질적으로 분석하여 결과를 도출하였다. 결과 이를 통한 결과는 첫째, 회기별 진행 과정 및 그림 변화과정에서 자기표현과 집단원 간 상호작용에 대한 점진적인 변화가 나타났다. 둘째, 프로그램의 단계별 진행 과정에서 자신과 타인에 대한 관계인식과 태도의 긍정적인 변화가 나타났다. 셋째, 사전⋅사후 KSD 그림검사에서 교실 공간에 대한 실제적인 표현과 또래관계에 대한 지각의 긍정적인 변화를 발견할 수 있었다. 결론 본 연구는 특수학급 청소년의 자기탐색 및 또래관계기술 향상에 있어 집단미술치료 개입의 기초를 제시한 점에 의의가 있다.

Comparing participation in sports discussion and art therapy groups in ABI

AbstractBackground:Social connection is often impacted by acquired brain injury (ABI), contributing to isolation and compromised mental health. Group therapy is thought useful in this context. For those experiencing cognitive communication challenges, finding alternative ways to engage is also valuable. Art therapy may offer pro-social support through shared activity, self-expression, organic subject matter and enduring visual prompts.Method:A multiple A-B-A single case experimental design compared participation in sports discussion and art therapy groups on a long-stay secure unit. Nine individuals with ABI and complex combinations of communication, cognitive and mental health needs were studied. It was hypothesised that for some individuals, participation would be greater in art therapy than sports discussion groups.Results:Results from six individuals with at least five measurement points per phase are reported. Tau statistics revealed significant interphase differences for three individuals. Significantly less participation was recorded for two individuals in art than sports discussion, however they still appeared invested in the art groups. The remaining participant, with the most severe communication difficulties, avoided all baseline sports discussion groups, but participated in almost all art groups, with significant increase between initial sports discussion and art phases.Conclusion:Further research is warranted regarding the potential art therapy offers for group engagement, particularly where complex challenges render traditional talking-style groups less appropriate. Furthermore, disparate and complex needs in severe ABI require diverse, well-designed groups offering different opportunities and responding to individual strengths and motivations. More research into such approaches may increase group participation in this challenging cohort.

The Small Body Outline Drawing and Art Therapy With a Female Substance Use Disorder Patient to Facilitate Mindful Processing of Trauma: A Case Report (Le petit dessin de contour du corps et l’art-thérapie avec une patiente souffrant d’un trouble d’abus de substances pour faciliter le traitement conscient du traumatisme : un rapport de cas)

This case report provides detail with which to gain a further understanding of the small body outline drawing as an art therapy innovation and tool of art therapy practice used for the treatment of substance use disorder. This report focuses on the experience of an adult female patient who has been diagnosed with alcohol and stimulant use disorder and who had experienced sexual abuse and related trauma. The patient participated in a weekly art therapy group at a women’s 90-day residential substance abuse program, where she created a small body outline drawing. The patient made significant progress throughout the course of her treatment and maintained sobriety for at least one year following this treatment. The small body outline drawing, within the context of art therapy and in combination with a 12-step group and individual therapy, was observed to have assisted the patient in maintaining sobriety through the facilitation of verbal and mindful expression of past trauma.