Abstract
Various disciplines are beginning to use relaxation training as intervention
in counseling. Research suggests that relaxation training can help reduce
stress and reduce impulsivity. Little research, however, exists on the practical
application of relaxation training and art therapy. Although the characteristics
of emotionally disturbed adolescents have been the subject of much research
and the poor outcomes of these adolescents have been well documented,
relatively little research has been conducted to examine the benefits of art
therapy and relaxation training with this particular population.
The researcher was interested in finding additional coping skills to help
appease the disturbed adolescents. The researcher realized the significance of
art therapy, but was hoping to provide the students an additional tool that
could be used at home, in the neighborhood, or in the classroom. This
experimental study compared the use of relaxation training and art therapy
and art therapy alone within a group setting of adolescent males diagnosed
with emotional disturbances. Participation in groups was voluntary, and
participants were randomly assigned to the control group or study group. All
of the subjects took anxiety scales prior to and after the intervention. Teachers
documented the subjects’ behaviors before and after the therapeutic
intervention.
