Arts Therapies is applicative and scientific discipline which by using the process of experiencing, expressing and creating art, facilitates coping with problems and stress, develops expressive ability and social skills, helps self-awareness and self-esteem, supports developmental, creative and expressive potentials and enables personality growth. A quantitative and qualitative study was undertaken with a purpose to verify is it adequate and effective for persons with substance – related and addictive disorders – eating disorders. On the basis of professional literature, study and professional expertise expertise in social work, [art therapy, training in treatment of substance – related and addictive disorders] the author developped a group programme that includes elements and techniques of movement – dance, fine art, drama (storytelling, puppets and figurines) and music activity, all divided into three sections self – contact and body – contact, contact with others and contact with community and environment.
The effect of this art therapy programme was verified in a mixed methods research, quantitative and qualitative study of group of 11 girls (9 with anorexia nervosa, 2 with bulimia nervosa), aged 17 to 21 years, with whom one year individual treatment had been going on. One of them was subject of detailed individual case study, because of her especially dysfunctional family background. Different physical (body mass index – BMI, unadequate compensation behaviour patterns, regularity of menstruation cycle) and psychosocial (general psychophysical condition and mood, interpersonal and group interaction, self – image and self – esteem, perception of consequences in bodily, emotional and social dimensions) variables were being observed and assessed. Additionnally, causes of participants' eating disorders were searched and tried to be eliminated. The useful art therapy elements were in the following order: simple movement, (visual) art, movement and dance, and later in the course of programme when participants felt safer and accepted in the group also drama in the form of storytelling, use of puppets and figurines. From the beginning of individual programme till the end of group programme BMI was significantly normalized; unadequate compensation patterns of behaviour have stopped; general psychophysical condition was better; also self – esteem and physical, emotional and social self – image improved, perception of consequences in bodily, emotional and social dimensions was more positive; family dynamics became more functional with a new, more adequate participants' family roles; and there were positive effects on causal and protective factors. Results of this study confirm that this art therapy programme on a raised level effectively helps persons in managing substance – related and addictive disorders – eating disorders.
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