Exploring and Discovering the Self Art Therapy–Based Activity

Abstract

For immigrant students, the cultural values and norms at home and at school can vary widely. Under these conditions, it is difficult to participate in school activities because of insecurity or the fear of offending or angering others, which in turn compromises self-esteem and academic expectations. This research focused on how therapeutic art activities can help immigrant students enhance their self-identity. Therapeutic art activities can be regarded as a decolonizing medium because they are not structured based on mainstream educational or curricular frameworks. Traditional art classes may also ask students to draw from their imaginations; however, from the art therapy perspective, students' inner worlds of images, feelings, thoughts, and ideas are always of primary importance to the learning experience. In this research, art therapy-based activity was practiced as an effective tool for helping college students cope with troubling feelings and negotiate difficult experiences.

Art therapy for elderly women diagnosed with Alzheimers: A positive person-centred approach increases ease in the care process

“…Immigrant students performing art therapy-based activities had a similar feeling. They remarked that when they earned respect from their peers, they were more likely to obtain self-esteem; they suggested that self-esteem firmly depends on the way peers see you Chen [45]. Thus, another way to see the present research model would be to consider the empathic behaviour of the therapist as a mirror that reflects the patient's trust and transforms it into self-confidence: "The therapist directs the looking; without the therapist, you might stick with what you were already thinking and a lot more can came out with the therapist's direction" Collie [65]; Patricia's narratives p 136.…”

“…To date, art-therapy-oriented studies that have focused on the self-esteem of affected persons have shown an increase in global self-worth Chancellor et al [1,23,25,[44][45][46][47]. Trust and confidence being part of self-esteem, art therapy is helpful in building greater trust and self-disclosure Hartz et al [47] and creative processes are identified in its acts to inherently give people the authority or power to do something promoting empowerment and selfassertion Franklin [46].…”

“We make something with the flower, but feel like I make with myself something”: The role of a community arts project supporting women who have experienced human trafficking

“…Specific benefits to taking part in arts activities were also reported. Chen (2015) proposed that the act of creation supports a discovery of sense of self as it reflects the mirroring process integral to early development. Making marks on paper and creating therefore can be an affirmation of self and findings suggest that this creation helped participants express their individuality.…”

“…Specific benefits to taking part in arts activities were also reported. Chen (2015) proposed that the act of creation supports a discovery of sense of self as it reflects the mirroring process integral to early development.…”