Exploring the outcomes of experiential art activities on the behaviour and psychological functioning of children

Abstract

This study is based at a university-run clinic called Itsoseng Clinic located in Mamelodi at the University of Pretoria. Itsoseng Clinic has a large volume of referred cases and as a result many children seeking help have to be placed on a waiting list where they remain for several months, up to a year or even longer. Most children are referred to Itsoseng Clinic for behavioural and other related problems that require psychological intervention. Over time, the staff members at Itsoseng clinic have established various group work modes, involving non-verbal activities that have been informally reported to be effective. The study aims to explore the outcomes of experiential art activities on the behaviour and psychological functioning of these children. Using the waiting list, children were randomly allocated to a group and each participant had the same probability of being assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. Children in the control group were offered an opportunity to be part of the experiential art group programme after the study. This study comprised a quantitatively-driven core component plus a qualitative supplementary component using a brief interview schedule. The use of the Child Behaviour Checklist (questionnaires) seemed applicable to comparing the differences in scores, and supplementing this with follow up qualitative interviews enabled the researcher to gain a more in-depth understanding and knowledge of the children’s and caregivers’ experiences and behaviours. Results showed both a decrease and an increase in some of the variables from the Child Behaviour Checklist. Potential influences were further explored and discussed alongside the impact of the experiential art activities. Themes derived from a brief interview schedule involved discussions regarding participation and engagement in several activities, academic progress, and various behaviours and attitudes with or towards peers and family members.