Developing a Module of Art Based Therapy for Behavior Modification In Mentally Challenged Children

Authors

  • Aushka Rane
  • Mandar Malawade

Keywords:

Art Therapy, Behavior Modification, Mentally Challenged Children, Social Maturity, Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS), Child Development Disorders, ,Psychosocial Intervention, Early Childhood Intervention

Abstract

Background: Art-Based Therapy (ABT) has gained attention as an effective intervention for improving social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes in mentally challenged children. This study explores its impact on social maturity. 

Objectives: The primary objective was to develop and evaluate a structured ABT module incorporating colors, music, and drama to enhance social maturity in mentally challenged children aged 0–18 months. 

Methodology: A total of 20 participants underwent ABT sessions three times a week for six weeks. The intervention targeted social maturity, with pre and post-intervention assessments conducted using the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness, including effect size calculations. 

Results: The study demonstrated a significant improvement in VSMS scores post-intervention (p < 0.001). The effect size was large (Cohen’s d = 3.53) with a strong correlation (r = 0.97), indicating substantial positive outcomes. 

Conclusion: The findings suggest that ABT is an effective intervention for improving social maturity in mentally challenged children, highlighting its potential as a valuable therapeutic approach in behavior modification strategies. Further research with larger samples and long-term follow-ups is recommended.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Malchiodi CA. Expressive arts therapy and multimodal approaches. Handbook of art therapy. 2003;6:106-19.

Karkou V, Sanderson P. Arts therapies: A research-based map of the field. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2006..

Case C, Dalley T. The handbook of art therapy. Routledge; 2014 Jun 13..

Scarce J, Wilson C. Art therapy for trauma recovery and response. InFoundations of art therapy 2022 Jan 1 (pp. 413-447). Academic Press.

Hinz LD. Expressive therapies continuum: A framework for using art in therapy. Routledge; 2019 Aug 14..

Moon BL. Introduction to art therapy: Faith in the product. Charles C Thomas Publisher; 2016 Dec 2..

Rahna KA, Nithya R. Efficacy of integrated art therapy on social competence, self-esteem, and personal growth initiative among adolescents from tribal areas. Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing. 2022 Jun 1;13(2):197-201.

Savazzi F, Isernia S, Farina E, Fioravanti R, D’Amico A, Saibene FL, Rabuffetti M, Gilli G, Alberoni M, Nemni R, Baglio F. “Art, Colors, and Emotions” Treatment (ACE-t): A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of an Art-Based Intervention for People With Alzheimer’s Disease. Frontiers in Psychology. 2020 Jul 16;11:1467.

Singh S, Singhal S, Singh L, Arora RD, Tikka SK, Jati M. Assessing specific items of Indian VSMS: Perspective of medical and rehabilitation professionals. Ind Psychiatry J. 2024 Jan-Jun;33(1):108-115.

Vadlamudi E, Harshitha MK. Fostering Social-Emotional Literacy through Art for the Institutionalized Adolescent Girls.

Koo, J., & Thomas, E. (2019). Art Therapy for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in India. Art Therapy, 36(4), 209-214.

Gilroy A. Art therapy, research and evidence-based practice.

Liebmann M. Art therapy for groups: A handbook of themes and exercises. Routledge; 2004 Aug 2..

Kapitan, L. (2010). Introduction to Art Therapy Research. Routledge.

Rubin, J. A. (2016). Approaches to Art Therapy: Theory and Technique (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Bosgraaf L, Spreen M, Pattiselanno K, van Hooren S. Art Therapy for Psychosocial Problems in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review on Art Therapeutic Means and Forms of Expression, Therapist Behavior, and Supposed Mechanisms of Change. Front Psychol. 2020 Oct 8;11:584685

Chapman L, Morabito D, Ladakakos C, Schreier H, Knudson MM. The effectiveness of art therapy interventions in reducing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in pediatric trauma patients. Art therapy. 2001 Jan 1;18(2):100-4.

LaGasse AB. Effects of a music therapy group intervention on enhancing social skills in children with autism. J Music Ther. 2014 Fall;51(3):250-75

Sesar K, Dodaj A, Vasilj V, Sesar D, Smoljan I, Mikulić M. The Creative Art Therapies in Work with Children and Adolescents with Traumatic Experiences. Central European journal of paediatrics. 2022 Jan 1;18(1).

Downloads

Published

2025-04-26

How to Cite

1.
Rane A, Malawade M. Developing a Module of Art Based Therapy for Behavior Modification In Mentally Challenged Children. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025Apr.26 [cited 2025Oct.2];14(19S):44-52. Available from: https://www.jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/4705

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 19S (2025): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

You are free to:

  • Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.

Terms:

  • Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
  • No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.