Perceived effects of an art therapeutic treatment (ArAT) for children and adolescents with psychosocial problems

Abstract

Objective

Psychosocial problems are common among children and adolescents, and emotion regulation appears relevant in developing, maintaining, and treating them. Art therapy has been shown to enhance emotion regulation, utilizing creative expression and artmaking as communication. The affect-regulating Arts Therapy program (ArAT), developed across disciplines, was here applied in art therapy to reduce psychosocial problems in children and adolescents with affect- and emotion-regulation problems.

Method

In a multiple case study design with a systemic perspective, 18 children and their network members rated psychosocial problems. Quantitative and qualitative methods were applied to explore the effect of ArAT. Psychosocial problems were measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and at six-week follow-up, with additional weekly measurements targeting seven identified problematic behaviors. Qualitative data were analyzed using deductive thematic content analysis to identify perceived changes and to explore possible contributing factors.

Results

Across participants, most children showed improvement over time, particularly on internalizing problems. The personalized problem list demonstrated positive change in nearly all children. Qualitative data reflected recurring patterns of enhanced attention, autonomy, and resilience.

Conclusion

The ArAT intervention demonstrates promising results in reducing psychosocial problems, supported by quantitative and qualitative results. Its personalized approach fosters positive changes in psychosocial problem behavior and related areas, emphasizing efficacy across diverse developmental phases. This study highlights the importance of inclusive policies, educational integration, and collaborative effort in achieving success. Future research should focus on replication, homogeneous diagnostic groups, longitudinal assessments, and intervention mechanisms to comprehensively understand effectiveness and sustainability.