Colors of Connection: How Family Involvement Can Elevates Juvenile Art Therapy
- edwinmoisesluis
- Jul 10, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 16, 2023
Discover how family involvement elevates juvenile art therapy, fostering bonds, communication, and support for successful reintegration.
Front Psychol
In this study conducted by researchers Victoria Gray Armstrong and Josephine Ross during the COVID-19 restrictions, a fascinating intervention was implemented, offering vulnerable families with children aged 0 to 3 years boxes of art resources and guided creative activities to engage in together at home. The primary goal was to explore the numerous benefits of this art-based approach for both infants and parents, with a keen focus on understanding the psychological advantages of art participation and effective strategies to involve families in artistic endeavors. The researchers were particularly interested in investigating how art interventions could positively impact attachment within the family dynamic.
As the study progressed, encouraging preliminary findings started to emerge, indicating promising outcomes from the art boxes provided to the families. Now, the researchers aim to present the complete results, drawing primarily from in-depth interviews with sixteen parents and four referrers, along with valuable feedback collected throughout the study. By shedding light on the potential mechanisms for change within the art intervention, the study aims to reveal the perceived impact of the art boxes in nurturing secure attachment bonds between parents and their infants.
Throughout the interviews and feedback analysis, the researchers observed that the art-boxes not only facilitated positive changes in parents' well-being but also contributed to making them more emotionally available for connection with their children. Moreover, the study highlighted changes in infants' behavior, indicating an enhanced capacity for their parents to mentalize about their child's needs and emotions.
This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the transformative power of art-based interventions for vulnerable families, revealing the potential of art therapy to support attachment and emotional well-being in both parents and infants.
The Power of Family Involvement
The pandemic's impact on parent-infant relationships has been a subject of concern, and it is within this context that a noteworthy report was conducted by Reed and Parish in 2021. Their study delved into the experiences of 0–2-year-olds during the pandemic, shedding light on both the potential benefits and risks faced by these young children. While the increased time spent with both parents at home was seen as a positive aspect, the reduction of direct services posed potential risk factors. The report emphasized the detrimental effects of limited social interactions, exposure to trauma, material deprivation, and the heightened stress on parents, which could lead to less responsive parenting.
Additionally, a 2020 survey by Saunders and Hogg explored the concerns of parents with babies during the pandemic. The findings revealed that a significant portion of parents expressed worry about their relationship with their infants, and a notable number observed changes in their interactions.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, a pilot project was initiated to address the withdrawal of support for vulnerable families and their relative lack of resources to engage in online activities. This innovative approach involved providing families with boxes of art materials and guided activities to facilitate joint art making at home. The goal was to promote family engagement and explore the potential benefits of art participation for both parents and infants, especially in terms of nurturing attachment within the family dynamic.
Throughout the course of the project, informal feedback from parents and referrers was collected through various channels, including emails, text messages, and social media. The participant information leaflet included in the art boxes provided contact details and explained how the feedback, whether formal or informal, would be used in the research. Additionally, parents willingly shared photographs with the researchers, adding an insightful visual element to the study. Such visual methods have proven valuable in previous social research, enabling participants to effectively communicate their perspectives.
By incorporating these visual elements and informal feedback, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the art intervention on parent-infant relationships during the pandemic. The research endeavors to shed light on the potential mechanisms for change within the intervention and the perceived impact of the art boxes in nurturing secure attachment bonds between parents and their infants. Through this exploration, the study aims to contribute valuable insights into the transformative power of art-based interventions for vulnerable families, emphasizing the significance of art therapy in promoting attachment and emotional well-being for both parents and infants during challenging times.
Real Life Success
The study delved into the experiences of parents and their children during the pandemic, revealing the increased levels of anxiety, isolation, and loneliness felt by both. A notable issue identified was the lack of resources, which hindered play with infants. Parents described material constraints, making it challenging to access toys or art materials in their homes. Financial difficulties, especially among families on low incomes or experiencing job losses, exacerbated this resource problem. Physical space limitations within homes also restricted play, particularly for families with multiple children. Additionally, limited internet access posed challenges for families to access online play ideas and support.
During this challenging period, parents expressed feelings of guilt over not having strong connections with their infants. However, the introduction of the art boxes provided a much-needed reprieve. Parents appreciated the planned activities, which not only filled their day with meaningful engagement but also helped alleviate boredom and restlessness experienced during lockdown.
Interestingly, engaging in art activities together had a positive impact on sibling relationships, as several parents reported reduced antagonism between siblings while participating in art-making. This theme was further exemplified through images shared by parents showing siblings creating art together. Both parents and referrers highlighted the significance of setting aside specific time for joint activities, demonstrating the value placed on this shared time and its role in providing structure amidst the uncertainty of lockdown.
The study offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by families during the pandemic and how the provision of art resources positively influenced their well-being and family dynamics. By exploring the themes of resource constraints, feelings of guilt, and the benefits of engaging in art activities together, the research underscores the importance of creative interventions in supporting families' emotional health and fostering meaningful connections during challenging times.
Family Involvement In Juvenile Art Therapy
The findings from the study showcasing the positive impact of parents engaging with their infants through art resources are truly inspiring. It reinforces my belief in the importance of involving parents in art therapy programs for incarcerated juveniles. Just as the study highlighted the numerous benefits of family participation, I am confident that extending this approach to art therapy in the context of juvenile rehabilitation can have significant and positive implications.
Art therapy has proven to be a powerful tool for fostering emotional expression, personal growth, and healing. By actively involving the families of incarcerated juveniles in the art therapy process, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment that extends beyond the confines of the therapy sessions. Family engagement can promote better communication, understanding, and support within the family dynamic, thereby positively influencing the rehabilitation journey of the young juveniles.
Moreover, the involvement of families in art therapy can play a pivotal role in the reintegration process post-release. By addressing family dynamics and relationships through creative expression, art therapy can help bridge gaps and rebuild connections, providing a solid foundation for a successful transition back into the community.
Just like the study highlighted how parents' active involvement with their infants positively influenced their well-being and relationships, I firmly believe that the same principle can be applied to art therapy programs for incarcerated juveniles. Empowering parents to actively partake in their child's therapeutic journey can strengthen the support network surrounding the juvenile and enhance the overall effectiveness of the rehabilitation process.
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