Prosocial Behaviours in a Creative Arts Day Camp for Children With and Without Special Needs: A Mixed-Methods Study

Authors

  • Laura Beer Maryville University
  • Mary Andrus Lewis & Clark University
  • Jordan Hubchik

Abstract

There is a lack of research on the social benefits of creative arts therapies in summer day camp settings that are focused on children with special needs. Researchers in this study sought to address this gap by using a mixed-methods, concurrent embedded design that explored the prosocial potentials of using art therapy and music therapy to support school-aged children with and without special needs in a 2-week summer camp. A unique team approach—consisting of faculty, clinical supervisors, and art and music therapists in training—was used to collect, analyze, and interpret data. The aims of the camp and the research project focused on social interaction, engagement in activities, and emotional expression. Pretest and post-test evaluations revealed significant findings within the areas of task orientation (p < .001), assertiveness (p < .001), and peer social skills (p < .001). Qualitative data were collected in the form of camper statements, parent/caregiver statements, and student journals. Results indicated the effectiveness of a combined creative arts therapy model in helping children with special needs develop their prosocial skills.

Author Biographies

Laura Beer, Maryville University

Laura Beer, PhD, MT-BC, is the program director for music therapy at Maryville University. She has extensive clinical experience as a music therapist, a researcher, and an educator. She has worked as a clinician in a wide range of settings, with her most recent clinical experience in a neonatal intensive care unit and with children who have multiple disabilities. She also serves as editor-in-chief of Music Therapy Perspectives.

Mary Andrus, Lewis & Clark University

Mary Andrus, DAT, LCAT, LPC, ATCS, is director of the art therapy program in the Graduate School of Education and Counseling at Lewis and Clark College. She spearheaded the historic art therapy legislation in Oregon and is committed to expanding the lens of the practice of art therapy, examining societal context, and creating equity in the relational well-being of clients.

Jordan Hubchik

Jordan Hubchik, LCAT, ATR-BC, works in Portland, Oregon. She has experience treating children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with mental health conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to eating disorders, trauma, and serious mental illnesses. Jordan is an advocate for the efficacy of art therapy in clinical practice and she is an ambitious, lifelong learner continuing to expand her skills within the mental health field.

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Published

2020-08-27

How to Cite

Beer, L., Andrus, M., & Jordan Hubchik. (2020). Prosocial Behaviours in a Creative Arts Day Camp for Children With and Without Special Needs: A Mixed-Methods Study. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 54(3), 220–241. Retrieved from https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/rcc/article/view/69037

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 3 (2020): Special Issue - Creative Arts Therapies

Section

Special Issue Articles/ Articles d'édition spéciale

License

Copyright is retained by the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy.