A Case Study:Utilizing Art Therapy with Adolescents Engaged in Serious Offenses

"Art Therapy With Serious Juvenile Offenders: A Phenomenological Analysis"

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Introduction

At the Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center in Virginia, a study led by Roy W. Persons examined the impact of art therapy on the psychological well-being of forty-six incarcerated boys with serious delinquency issues. Over the course of 32 months, these youths participated in individual and group therapy sessions, utilizing art as a medium to address their psychological needs. Analysis of their self-selected art creations revealed predominant themes such as identity exploration, security, freedom, ideal parental relationships, and even expressions of complex emotions. The boys found solace in art therapy, reporting stress relief, reduced boredom, heightened self-esteem, and improved concentration among the benefits. This study offers valuable insights into the transformative potential of art therapy for incarcerated youth, shedding light on both their emotional needs and the therapeutic efficacy of creative expression.

Research Questions

The two research question are as follows:

"What were the boys’ psychological needs that the art therapy program addressed?"

"What did the boys perceive as the specific helpful functions of art therapy?"

The Case Study

The study involved a cohort of 46 male participants, comprising 24 African American and 22 Caucasian individuals, ranging in age from 16 to 20 years. These young men were situated at the Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center (BJCC), a specialized institution in Virginia dedicated to the rehabilitation of the most severely delinquent boys. Notably, the art therapy initiative was situated within the confines of the facility's psychiatric unit. The cohort consisted of habitual and violent offenders, or a combination thereof, each grappling with pronounced psychological challenges.

According to the study, the prevalent Axis I diagnoses originating from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) encompassed major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and conduct disorder, thereby illuminating the intricate psychological composition of the participants. Within the realm of Axis II diagnoses (American Psychiatric Association, 2000), a recurrent identification emerged in the form of borderline personality disorder. The study highlighted that a significant majority of the young men also bore diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and notably, self-injurious behavior was a prevalent concern among them. Furthermore, a diverse spectrum of diagnoses was observed, influenced by individual clinicians or the temporal context of diagnosis. Remarkably, the gravity of their offenses was profound, spanning crimes such as murder, malicious wounding, sexual assault, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and more, underscoring the severity of their criminal histories. The study unveiled that each participant had an extensive record of multiple criminal activities, averaging 8.2 offenses committed per individual. Additionally, it was revealed that their interaction with the justice system was marked by an average of 3.8 instances of incarceration. (Original reference: Persons, R. S. (2008). Art therapy with serious juvenile offenders: A phenomenological analysis. Art Therapy, 25(2), 50-57.)

Individual Art Therapy Sessions

In the course of this study, the treatment regimen entailed active engagement of the boys in both individual and group art therapy sessions, and notably, all participation was grounded in voluntary choice. Over a span ranging from 2 months to 2 years, with an average duration of 8 months, these young participants immersed themselves in a program that provided them with 2 to 10 hours of art therapy per week, averaging at 5 hours. The eagerness exhibited by the boys to partake in the program was striking. Their enthusiasm often extended beyond scheduled sessions as they would venture into painting within their rooms at night, displaying a remarkable commitment that defied conventional expectations, especially given the constraints of security regulations.

Surprisingly, it was a revelation to uncover that these participants already harbored a positive outlook while engaging in the act of painting. It was intriguing to witness how the canvas became a vessel for their expressions, even within the confines of their circumstances. In adherence to security regulations, the boys were permitted to have select art supplies, such as soft oil pastels, in their rooms during nighttime hours. Initially, their artistic journey took shape with spontaneous drawings or paintings born from their thoughts or adaptations of images sourced from art literature, magazines, or the digital realm.

Individual therapy sessions offered a platform for the boys' artistic creations to be processed, often employing experiential or gestalt techniques to facilitate the exploration of their projections and delve into complex topics like identity, depression, and aggression. Importantly, it's worth noting that not every individual art therapy session followed an experiential process, with discussions sometimes centering on the image itself or other significant matters of importance. The therapeutic environment fostered by the therapist was marked by a steadfast absence of criticism, avoiding the imposition of art instruction and instead cultivating a safe and embracing space.

A distinctive rule governed the process – once initiated, a painting had to be seen through to completion. This rule wasn't just a technicality, but a deliberate strategy to instill persistence. This trait was particularly pertinent given the population's historical tendency to grapple with low frustration tolerance and a predisposition to give up hastily. The objective was twofold: to empower them to derive satisfaction from surmounting challenges and to shift their focus away from the pursuit of artistic perfection towards the realm of therapeutic expression and self-discovery. The aspiration was for them to embrace self-satisfaction and bolster self-esteem through unwavering persistence, gradually developing a mindset characterized by curiosity and an openness to unravel the enigmatic journey of their artistic creation. The overarching aim was a transformation from a disposition of judgment to one of curiosity and acceptance, a profound shift that encapsulated the essence of their therapeutic progression.

Group Art Therapy Session

In art group therapy, each boy embarked on their own artistic journey while fostering a sense of camaraderie and interaction within the group. An interesting twist emerged: critiquing or belittling each other's art was off-limits. This unconventional approach pushed them out of their comfort zones, encouraging an atmosphere of support and genuine interest in each other's creations. This shift gave rise to a group dynamic where creativity thrived and open conversations flowed freely. Sessions usually kicked off with casual chats, where the boys shared thoughts sparked by their art or whatever was on their minds. The therapist also introduced themes, occasionally sparking deep conversations about personal struggles, like discussing Vincent van Gogh's story. As they got lost in their artwork, barriers broke down, and discussions about topics that rarely came up in regular group therapy surfaced.

Interestingly, the boys boasted a range of artistic abilities, yet the core of art therapy went beyond teaching them to be artists. Instead, it aimed to help them find meaning, discover themselves, and enjoy the creative process, all while building resilience. The emphasis was on the journey itself, not just the end result.

From this transformative process emerged four art exhibitions at the BJCC, showcasing the boys' creative efforts. Their artwork even made its way outside the facility for display five times. Participating in these exhibitions meant a lot to the boys, irrespective of their artistic talents. They relished the positive feedback and cherished conversations with staff and administrators, as it was a rarity for them to receive such recognition.

Case Study Result

In the context of this study, a comprehensive evaluation strategy was employed, consisting of three distinctive procedures aimed at delving into the boys' artistic creations. Initially, a meticulous assessment unfolded as 350 self-selected artworks underwent rigorous scrutiny, each piece meticulously categorized to unearth the underlying thematic content. This investigative lens operated on the premise that these artistic expressions mirrored the boys' innermost thoughts, desires, and emotional conflicts, offering a rare glimpse into their psychological needs. Drawing inspiration from prior research by Silver (1988, 1992, 1993), the study extended its scope by incorporating insights from Silver and Ellison (1995), who explored the categorization of self-images among juvenile delinquents. Notably, the reliability of experienced art therapists was gauged through two interrater reliability tests—first involving two raters and later engaging five art therapists. In a nuanced departure, the present study elevated the rigor by enlisting three seasoned raters, further fortifying the evaluation process. This amalgamation of methodologies not only bolsters the credibility of the study but also unveils a canvas of unspoken emotions, providing a window into the intricate psychological landscapes these boys navigated.

Table 1

1. Identity issues N 67 19.1% 2. Need for security and tranquility N 58 16.6% 3. Need for freedom, adventure, and fun N 49 14.0% 4. Need for ideal parental relationships N 42 12.0% 5. Need for affiliation and affection N 39 11.0% 6. Erotic and sexual needs N 35 10.0% 7. Expression of depression N 26 7.5% 8. Expression of childhood trauma and other N 19 5.4% serious psychological problems 9. Spiritual or religious needs N 12 3.4%

In this study's exploration, poignant therapeutic examples emerge: a son sharing a meal with his father, a collaborative father-son building project, and an elderly man engrossed in conversation with a young boy. These portrayals unearth a profound yearning for parental bonding and intimacy. Delving into their essence, a powerful discourse emerges, lending credence to their significance. The boys' desire for freedom, adventure, and fun shines through vibrant depictions of sailing boats, swimming, horseback riding, and driving cars. Affiliation and affection resonate prominently, with scenes of chess matches, picnics, and shared coffee moments capturing their need for connection. Although constrained, the expressions could have delved deeper into erotic and sexual needs. The theme of depression takes on poignant intensity, epitomized by R.'s portrayal of his cell—an exploration that leads to transformation and an art piece symbolizing freedom. Amidst this psychological tapestry, fragments of trauma surface, underlining the cornerstone of therapeutic exploration. Spiritual and religious dimensions unfold in paintings of churches, stained glass windows, and a poignant depiction of a Black Jesus—a testament to their search for solace. These thematic revelations guide therapy towards a comprehensive engagement with each boy's unique needs, offering a roadmap within evocative brushstrokes. Visual vignettes grant insight into their psychological landscape, sourced from the boys' selective choices of subjects, fostering dialogue that enriches the therapeutic journey.

Table 2

1. Relieved stress, relaxed me, took my mind off upsetting things, emotional outlet 2. Reduced boredom 3. Felt proud of what I did, more self-confidence 4. Liked positive recognition from others 5. Helped me to not quit when I was frustrated 6. Did something enjoyable and fun that was positive 7. Improved my ability to concentrate and focus 8. Liked the way I was treated, encouraged, and not put down

& Table 3

1. Helped me reduce my anger 85% 2. Helped me to not self-mutilate or hurt myself 80% 3. Helped talking with the boys; learned how to have 80%positive relationships; felt supported 4. Reduced depression 75% 5. Kept me out of trouble65%6. Reduced my anxiety 65% 7. Felt more in control 55% 8. Learned more tolerance and acceptance 50%

Within the confines of the BJCC's art therapy progra, the profound impact of artistic engagement and therapeutic discourse emerges with vivid clarity. Over an extended span of 8 months, the boys dedicated a substantial 4 to 10 hours per week to painting and discussing their creations, potentially nurturing novel neural connections within the cerebral cortex. This transformative development could signify a shift from emotion-driven limbic responses to more reasoned cognitive reactions (Beckman, 2004; Giedd, 2004; Paus et al., 1999; Schmithorst et al., 2005; Schore, 1994, 1996, 2003; Tommasello, 2005; A. C. Tommasello, personal communication, June 17, 2005). Recent studies highlight the ongoing brain formation into early adulthood (Beckman, 2004), and the significance of childhood trauma's impact on neurological growth is well-documented (Heide, 1999; Heide & Solomon, 1997, 2006). Daily art therapy sessions, accompanied by a protracted focus on experientially processing trauma, fostering stress reduction, and relaxation, could potentially reshape neurological configurations and mitigate earlier childhood trauma deficits (Heide & Solomon, 2006).

The art therapy program at BJCC proved to be a catalyst for intensive artistic engagement, potentially forging neural connections in the cerebral cortex. Repetitive painting and discussions seemed to correlate with heightened neural development. This immersive involvement could have facilitated the boys' transition from hyperactivity and impulsivity towards more thoughtful responses and improved concentration. Through experiential treatment that centers on emotional responses, trauma processing, and teaching new response styles, a shift from limbic system dominance to cerebral cortex engagement may transpire (Heide & Solomon, 2005; Van der Kolk, 1996). Processing traumatic emotions through art therapy, coupled with extended periods of relaxed focus over 8 months, could contribute to this brain restructuring. The potential implications of these novel neural connections and enhanced task persistence warrant further exploration, even though alternate factors like maturation and motivation might also contribute to the observed improvement.

The resounding consensus among the boys underscores the transformative power of the positive and encouraging atmosphere within art therapy. The sense of being treated with respect, courtesy, and dignity greatly enhanced their experience and contributed to the positive outcomes achieved in this study.

Analyzing the boys' exit interviews revealed eight pivotal factors that significantly contributed to their psychological and behavioral growth during the art therapy program. These transformative elements included cultivating anger reduction (85%), curbing self-injurious behavior (80%), fostering improved relationships (80%), alleviating depression (75%), reducing institutional troubles (65%), diminishing anxiety (55%), enhancing feelings of control (55%), and cultivating tolerance and acceptance (50%). If these transformative lessons are retained post-release, they could substantially elevate their prospects for successful community reintegration instead of perpetuating a cycle of incarceration.

The final layer of analysis delved into the boys' termination interviews to discern the most representative interview. This choice aimed to authentically capture the boys' perspectives in their own words. The selected modal interview encapsulated a striking alignment with 15 out of 16 potential factors, elucidating the multitude of ways in which participating in the art therapy program proved instrumental in their personal growth and healing journey.

Source: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0306624X08320208