The Effect of Group Art Therapy on Depressed Mothers and Their Children

Abstract

This study examined the effect of group art therapy on maternal self-image and self-esteem as well as on the quality of interactions between mother and child. The participants were four mother-child pairs in which the mothers were experiencing depressive symptoms that affected their caregiving capacities. It was hypothesized that group art therapy would improve maternal self-esteem and self-image and, in turn, foster positive mother-child interactions. A mother-andchild drawing, a videotaped play session, and two self-reports were used as pre- and posttreatment assessments. Results showed that mothers reported higher levels of self-esteem and a more positive self-image following treatment. All participants depicted more mature and/or more self-assured mother-child relationships in their mother-andchild drawings following the group. Only half, however, were able to integrate their more optimistic attitudes and self-beliefs into their behavior and interactions with their children by the end of the study.