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The use of art therapy approaches in working with socially disadvantaged children
SPÁLENSKÁ, Dagmar
Presented dissertation thesis endeavours to specify possible usage and effects of art therapy within visual arts education of socially and culturally disadvantaged children at the setting of primary and secondary schools and in the Children Centre. Theoretical section first clarifies the term "socially and culturally disadvantaged", than presents findings regarding the influence of socially disadvantageous background on social skills, the role of family and education style. One chapter is devoted to the education of handicapped children. This chapter further focuses on importance of creativity for children and on developmental aspects that influence the use of art therapy. Practical section comprises of two parts: Education at Special Primary School, which features a casuistry of a girl with middle level of mental retardation, living in socially disadvantaged family. Her artwork is used to show her cognitive and emotional development. Second part of practical section presents four case studies of children, which due to their family situation had to be placed in Children Centre Strakonice, an intervention facility for children in need of immediate help. First case study features a boy who lived in the Children Centre from one year of his age until the time when he was, based on the decision of the court, placed in Children Home. There he was together with his younger brother, who was located there immediately after his birth. Second case study features a boy who was placed in the Centre by provisionary court decision and returned to his mother's custody after several months of investigation. Third case study presents the artwork of a boy placed in the Centre based on his parents requirement, as they struggled to provide him with proper upbringing. He left the Centre and returned into the family care. Some changes were suggested regarding the parent's approach to the child. The fourth case study concerns a girl, who was placed in the Centre based on her mother requirement. This girl also returned to her mother's custody, who in the mean time gave birth to a second child. Each case study includes a description of individual approach to each child, all based on their individual needs while dealing with their personal situation. This thesis presents specific forms of art therapeutic education in this environment, it's influence on psychological settings and communicativeness of children.
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