Date of Award
1-1-1992
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Child and Youth Care Administration
Advisor
Mary Staggs
Keywords
Body image, Latency, Emotional Handicaps, Puberty, Self-Concept, Art Therapy.
Abstract
This practicum focused upon the design and implementation of a body Image improvement program for severely emotionally disturbed (SED), latency-aged girls. Seven latency-aged girls In a self-contained, SED program participated one time per week In Individual art therapy and group sessions. The program Incorporated therapeutic art activities with verbal Interactions and utilized human growth films, cooperative learning techniques, and child care personnel from outside agencies. The writer developed a therapeutic program designed to address concerns and problems encountered by latency-aged girls and especially those whose developmental progress has been hampered by both abuse and emotional handicapping conditions. Major Issues addressed In the program Included; cooperation and sharing, health, nutrition and hygiene, puberty and the onset of menstruation, Increased body awareness and acceptance, and the acquisition of a more accurate perception of physical self. Analysis of the results obtained from projective drawings, interviews, and an observation checklist, suggested that the participants in the group had a greater awareness of the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty, an understanding of proper nutrition for young girls, and an improved perception of physical self. This writer also observed an Increase In the number of empathetic responses made- during group and Improved patience and consideration.