Abstract
Art therapy is a growing therapeutic technique that is noninvasive. The present literature review sets out to determine what effect art therapy has on children with life-limiting conditions. This author completed a literature review that involved analyzing ten research studies on a variety of youth populations. Studies were found about children with cancer, a child with cerebral palsy and a child with a severe neurological disorder. Zero incidences of harm were found when using art therapy. However, the literature was complicated by the type of art therapy provided, small sample sizes, varying duration of treatment, lack of control groups, lack of random assignment, lack of differentiation between group and individual treatment, and lack of a credentialed art therapist. There is most research available on children with cancer. This paper concludes that there are multiple reasons to strongly consider the use of Art Therapy when working with children who have life-limiting disabilities, but also acknowledges that there are some limitations in using art therapy as a diagnostic framework. As always, further research is still needed. Research recommendations are provided.
Date of Award
Fall 12-2024
Document Type
Capstone Paper
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Department
Counselor Education
First Advisor
Karen Cathey
Location
WINONA, Minnesota
Recommended Citation
Schillinger, Karissa K., "The Use of Art Therapy on Children with Life-Limiting Conditions" (2024). Counselor Education Capstones. 198.
https://openriver.winona.edu/counseloreducationcapstones/198
