The use of art in group therapy among Bedouin youth in home detention under supervision of the juvenile probation service

Abstract

Background This article explores how artistic tools can help juvenile offenders from Bedouin society cope with the challenges of home detention. While previous studies suggest art therapy can aid emotional processing, this topic has not been examined specifically for this group in Israel.Aims The paper aims to adapt art therapy practices for indigenous Muslim youth and to understand their experiences with group art therapy within the Juvenile Probation Service.Methods In this pilot study, twelve Bedouin youths under restrictive conditions participated in qualitative interviews and a group art therapy program from 2018 to 2019, analyzed through thematic analysis.Results Findings indicate that group art therapy facilitated the exploration of emotional processes related to their experiences during home detention, which included various difficulties.Conclusions The study shows that art therapy can effectively support Bedouin youth in the Juvenile Probation Service. It allows for the exploration of complex emotions linked to home detention and fosters a sense of community among participants. By integrating cultural norms, this therapeutic approach enhances emotional expression and coping strategies.Implications for practice The research emphasizes the need for culturally adapted art therapy techniques for Arab youth in detention, demonstrating that such interventions can effectively address unique challenges and promote emotional well-being and rehabilitation.Plain-language summary This paper investigates the experiences of Bedouin youth who are in home detention and participate in group art therapy. Through direct observation and follow-up interviews, the study provides insights into how art therapy can be adapted to meet the needs of minority youth in similar situations.The main finding indicates that art therapy serves as a valuable tool for these young individuals to express their emotions indirectly, which aligns with their cultural norms regarding emotional expression. The structure of group art therapy creates a supportive environment, allowing participants to address personal challenges while fostering connections with their peers.The study highlights that utilizing creative tools enables participants to communicate feelings they might find difficult to express verbally, especially in a cultural context where direct emotional expression can be perceived as inappropriate.Moreover, the research underscores the necessity of culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches. For Bedouin youth, incorporating traditional symbols and practices into the art therapy sessions made the experience more meaningful and effective. Overall, the findings suggest that customizing art therapy to align with the cultural values of youth in home detention can significantly improve their emotional well-being and assist them in managing the challenges associated with their circumstances.

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