The Efficacy of Art Psychotherapy on Reducing Maladaptive Behavior In Children
This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of Art Psychotherapy as a treatment for children who have been exposed to trauma to decrease symptoms and the negative impacts on their social and psychological development. Thus, this mixed-method research closely documents the effects of an art psychotherapy program in Brazil in the treatment of 3 children, aged 9 years old, who have experienced trauma. Treatment effects were evaluated through a single-subject research design in a multiple baseline across participants design to quantitatively document change. Qualitatively, artwork progress is analyzed as well as parental and therapist’s evaluations. Results show that contingent on art psychotherapy implementation, targeted maladaptive behaviors decreased in frequency as compared to baseline, which was also reflected in their artwork. This study is aligned with previous work in the efficacy of art psychotherapy field and adds quantitative data to supports its use in the treatment of children with PTSD.