Children and Anger: Using the Arts to Facilitate Positive Change in Children with Severe Aggressive Tendencies
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Author
Haythorn, Lindajo
Date
2010
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
Extreme aggressive tendencies demonstrated by elementary-aged children can impede their
cognitive, educational, and social development. Consistent patterns of hostility and
explosive outbursts create disruptions in the traditional classroom setting and prohibit
learning. Current trends in school counseling may be effective at reshaping immediate
behavior but do not always address the underlying cause for the adverse behavior. This
single-subject design study examined the efficacy of art therapy in a small group setting as a
solutions-focused intervention for solving emotional conflicts in six elementary-aged
children who exhibit extreme aggressive behaviors. Data was collected using researcher
developed teacher and student questionnaires and a behavioral checklist. A Kinetic School
Drawing (KSD) was employed as an assessment of student readiness for change.