This study purports to understand how group art therapy centered on collaboration helps
children of low income family improve relationship with others of the same age group and
enhance their social skills. The study subjects are 9 children between age of 11 to 13 from
low income families, attending the 000 self-study room in J city. The program lasted from
August 1st through October 7th of 2005, total 29 sessions with three times a week and
each session lasting 90 minutes in the 000 self-study room. Research tools used for the
study are Measurement scale for the same age group relationship (Jonghye Han, 1996),
Measurement scale for elementary school kid's social skills (Changho Yang, 1994).
To check the effectiveness of the study, t-test is adopted for pre- and post-test of the same age group relationship and of social skills.
The results based on the study are as follows.
First, the collaborated group art therapy has been effective children of low income family
to improve their relationship with other kids of the same age. As for subcategories, there
has been some significant difference in social support and friendship, but no difference in
punishment initiative, intimacy, and confrontation.
Second, the collaborated group art therapy has been effective on children of low income
family to improve their social skills. As for subcategories, there has been a significant
difference in collaboration, but no difference in diligence, law-abidingness, and autonomy.
In conclusion, it can be said that group art therapy induces some new potential effects
that are not obtainable in individual art therapy, but obtainable only through the collaborated activities with other participants of the group. This cohesive power of the group will help the children of low income families to develop social skills, which in turn improves their relationship with other children of the same age.
Key Words : Collaboration Work, Group Art Therapy, Peer Relationship, Social Skills