NCJ Number
227894
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 433-453
Date Published
August 2009
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This phenomenological study examined the psychological needs of delinquent boys that art therapy addressed and the boys' perceptions of how art therapy affected them.
Abstract
Results of the study indicate that the boys' perceptions of art therapy were relief of stress, reduction in boredom, increase in self-confidence, improvement in ability to concentrate, and increased frustration tolerance. In addition, the results indicate that art therapy addressed identity issues, the need for security, the need for freedom and fun, the need for ideal parental relationships, the need for affiliation and affection, erotic and sexual needs, depression issues, childhood trauma, and spiritual needs. In this phenomenological research study, which investigates participants' experiences, perceptions, and beliefs, how art therapy addressed 46 seriously delinquent, incarcerated boys' psychological needs via analysis of the boys' self-selected art productions was examined. The 46 participants had received individual and group therapy for 32 months. Tables, figures, and references