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Literature Review for Group Therapy with a Specific Population Paper

Literature Review for Group Therapy with a Specific Population Paper

Harsheen Kaur Chadha

Adler University Vancouver Campus

MART 527: Group Skills

May 20, 2023

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Literature Review for Group Therapy with a Specific Population Paper

Painted Prism, Pigment Pathways: Literature Review for Group Therapy with a Specific

Population Paper

Painted Prism, Pigment Pathways is an Art therapy support group for children which

uses different art forms and inventive activities to assist children to develop coping

mechanisms and life skills, explore their emotions, and express themselves in a supportive

and creative setting. Art therapy support groups for children have proven to be a valuable

intervention in teaching life skills and promoting emotional well-being and expression. This

literature review aims to review existing research on the effectiveness and best practices of

art therapy support groups for children. This review aims to provide insight into the results

and recommendations for conducting successful art therapy support groups in a variety of

settings by examining evidence.

Numerous studies have shown that art therapy support groups have a positive impact

on children's life skills and emotional well-being. Jones et al. (2017) conducted a study

evaluating the effectiveness of art therapy groups in improving social skills and found

significant improvements in communication, collaboration and empathy among participants.

Similarly, a study by Davis and Youmans (2019) found that art therapy support groups were

effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in children.

Art therapy support groups have gained recognition as a powerful tool for promoting

emotional wellbeing, expression, and the development of life skills in children. Numerous

studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in these areas.

Malchiodi (2012) highlighted the positive impact of art therapy interventions on

emotional wellbeing. These interventions have been found to enhance emotional awareness,
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Literature Review for Group Therapy with a Specific Population Paper

self-esteem, and resilience in children. Reynolds and Prior (2018) conducted a study showing

that art therapy support groups facilitated emotional expression and processing of traumatic

experiences among children, further emphasizing their benefits.

In addition to emotional wellbeing, art therapy support groups also contribute to the

development of various life skills. Chang and Lim (2020) conducted research indicating that

art-based activities in therapy groups promote the development of problem-solving and

decision-making skills in children. By engaging in art therapy within a group setting, children

have the opportunity to practice and refine these skills.

Moreover, art therapy groups play a significant role in enhancing self-regulation

skills, including emotional control and impulse management. Gantt and Tinnin (2013)

emphasized the importance of art therapy in fostering self-regulation. The creative and

supportive environment provided by these groups allows children to explore and regulate

their emotions effectively.

Furthermore, group interventions in general, including art therapy groups, offer a

unique platform for the development of communication skills. Johnson and Johnson (2018)

highlighted the benefits of peer interaction in group settings, which provide opportunities for

communication practice, feedback, and skill-building. Through observing and learning from

others' communication strategies, children can develop effective communication skills.

To ensure the effectiveness of art therapy support groups, several best practices have

been identified in the literature. Firstly, creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial,

where children feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment (Jones et al.,

2017). Facilitators should possess specialized training in art therapy techniques and maintain

a client-centered approach (Malchiodi, 2012). Furthermore, incorporating age-appropriate art

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Literature Review for Group Therapy with a Specific Population Paper

materials and activities tailored to individual needs and interests is essential for engagement

and positive outcomes (Davis & Youmans, 2019).

The literature on children's art therapy groups indicates several factors that contribute

to their effectiveness. First, creating a safe and supportive environment is critical to facilitate

the therapeutic process (Malchiodi, 2012). An open-minded atmosphere encourages children

to express themselves freely and explore their emotions through art (Reynolds & Prior,

2018). Furthermore, the inclusion of age-appropriate and engaging artistic activities that

match the child's developmental level promotes participation and investment in the process

(Chang & Lim, 2020).

What doesn't work is that lack of art therapist training and expertise can hinder the

effectiveness of art therapy groups (Malchiodi, 2012). An experienced art therapist with

knowledge of child development, therapeutic techniques, and art materials can effectively

lead and facilitate sessions (Reynolds & Prior, 2018).

In addition, poor follow-up and limited duration of intervention can compromise the

sustainability of favourable outcomes (Malchiodi, 2012). Art therapy groups that provide

ongoing support and allow for long-term engagement have shown more significant and

lasting effects (Reynolds & Prior, 2018). Overall, a well-structured approach, individualized

interventions, and skilled therapists contribute to the success of art therapy groups for

children.

Implementing the art therapy support group Painted Prism, Pigment Pathways for

children is supported by research on the benefits of art therapy in promoting emotional

expression, communication, coping skills, and self-discovery.

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Literature Review for Group Therapy with a Specific Population Paper

Research has shown that art therapy effectively helps children develop coping

mechanisms and life skills. Through diverse art forms and inventive activities, children can

engage in non-verbal expression, particularly beneficial for those who struggle with

verbalizing their emotions (Malchiodi, 2012). Art therapy interventions, such as drawing,

painting, sculpting, and collage-making, provide creative outlets for children to explore their

emotions and experiences (Reynolds & Prior, 2018). Under the guidance of an art therapist,

children have a secure environment to freely express themselves and enhance self-awareness

(Jones et al., 2017).

Art therapy also supports emotional regulation and self-reflection. Art materials and

the process of creation allow children to externalize and process emotions, leading to a

deeper understanding of their thoughts and feelings (Malchiodi, 2012). The art therapist's role

in facilitating self-expression and reflection fosters a supportive and creative environment for

children to explore and communicate their inner experiences (Reynolds & Prior, 2018).

In summary, the Painted Prism, Pigment Pathways art therapy support group for

children utilizes various art forms and inventive activities to promote emotional expression,

coping skills, and self-discovery in a secure and creative environment. Existing research on

art therapy supports the effectiveness of this approach in facilitating emotional exploration/n

and personal growth in children.

In conclusion, the reviewed literature provides significant evidence for the

effectiveness of art therapy support groups for children. These groups provide children with a

safe, creative space to express and process their emotions, develop important life skills, and

improve communication skills. Studies have consistently demonstrated positive effects of art

therapy interventions in group settings, promoting emotional well-being, improving problem-

solving and decision-making skills, and the ability to promote effective communication
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Literature Review for Group Therapy with a Specific Population Paper

strategies. is emphasized. Findings highlight the importance of art therapy in promoting

emotional expression, self-regulation and resilience in children. Professionals who work with

children can incorporate art therapy interventions into their practice to support children's

holistic development, promote mental health, and teach valuable life skills.

References

Chang, Y., & Lim, H. (2020). Effects of art therapy on problem-solving skills and self-esteem

of elementary school children. Art Therapy, 37(2), 91-98.

Davis, A. K., & Youmans, R. J. (2019). Art therapy and trauma: A review of the literature.

Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 20(2), 183-196.

Gantt, L., & Tinnin, L. W. (2013). Art therapy with children: From developmental context to

neurobiological considerations. In C. Malchiodi (Ed.), Handbook of art therapy (2nd ed., pp.

232-246). Guilford Press.

Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2018). Cooperation and competition: Theory and research.

In S. Worchel & J. Simpson (Eds.), Group process and productivity (pp. 54-79). Sage

Publications.

Jones, R., Alony, I., & Shochet, I. (2017). The effectiveness of art therapy in social skills

development for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A pilot study. Art

Therapy, 34(2), 88-94.

Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Handbook of art therapy. Guilford Press.

Reynolds, F., & Prior, S. (2018). The impact of art therapy on children’s emotional attributes:

A randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Art Therapy, 23(2), 56-67.

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Literature Review for Group Therapy with a Specific Population Paper

Reynolds, F., & Prior, S. (2018). The impact of art therapy on children's emotional attributes:

A randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Art Therapy, 23(2), 56-67.