The Effects of a Museum Art Program on the Self-Concept of Children

Abstract

Research suggests that art programs have positive therapeutic effects on children, including improved self-concept. This pretest/posttest intervention study examined changes in self-concept in children (N = 176) who participated in an art program at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. Results indicated significant, positive increases in self-concept from pre- to posttest with small to moderate effect sizes. This study provides preliminary evidence that art programs can be beneficial for the self-concept of children and draws implications for arts education and art therapy programming for diverse needs.