Emotional change of immigrant youths in Korea after collage art therapy: A case study

초록

The purpose of this study is to analyze the emotional changes of immigrant youths after collage art therapy. For this purpose, three immigrant youths were selected. A total of 10 sessions of collage group art therapy were conducted for 60 min each week from November 2016 to February 2017. As a qualitative research, this study analyzed their change of emotions, based on the meanings of the symbols and components in their artworks. Components like symbols, meanings, individual conflict, and desire have positively changed. Their early works showed negative symbols and passive actions as unconscious defense mechanism. Their mid-term works showed their concentration on art activities and dynamics with interest and creativity in art medium. Their late works showed positive symbols like achievement desire and adaptation to reality. Therefore, collage art therapy can be used as a suitable psychotherapy method for the emotional stability of immigrant youths. © 2018 Taylor & Francis Group, London.