The Use of Expressive Arts Therapy in Understanding Psychological Issues of Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract

This phenomenological research design of qualitative study was conducted to understand the experiences of creative relationship during Expressive Arts Therapy group counseling session. A total of seven girls between the ages of 12-18 years who have been involved in juvenile delinquent behaviors were selected using purposive sampling groups. Interviews, observations and document analysis were conducted for data collection. Validity and reliability of the process were done through triangulation, peer review and audit trail. Data analysis was made to give overall meaning, meaning of discrimination unit, initial transfer of meaning units, transfer units psychological meaning, structure of individual psychology, and general psychological structure. The results showed that there are some psychological issues that have to be shared and expressed by all subjects in the study. The study participants shared their feelings such as anger, revenge, hatred, guilt and regret, disappointment and sadness, rebellious, begging for affection, looking for happiness, satisfaction and enjoyment of life, issues of low self-esteem and other issues concerning trauma and emotional disorders that have been experienced in their lives. In conclusion, this study provides some implications in terms of techniques and practices of counseling in Malaysia and the need for further research.

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