Therapeutic Effects of Art on Emotional Expression in Conflict-Affected Students

Abstract

This study investigates the short-term therapeutic effects of art interventions on the emotional expressions of Grade 9 and 10 students in conflict-affected areas of Myanmar. Utilizing a quantitative experimental design, the study involved 80 students who participated in either free or guided drawing sessions. Pre-and post-intervention surveys measured changes in emotional states, revealing significant reductions in sadness and worry, and enhancements in happiness and mental peace. Guided drawing, in particular, facilitated the direct expression of complex emotions, indicating the effectiveness of structured art activities as therapeutic tools. Grounded in the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) framework, which posits that engaging in positive activities can modify negative thought patterns, the findings underscore the potential of art interventions to improve mental health and emotional resilience among youth in crisis settings. This research contributes to the field by providing empirical evidence of the immediate benefits of art therapy in educational environments affected by conflict and offers practical applications for enhancing emotional well-being in similar contexts.

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