Creating a community of resistance

Currently, there is a severe lack of research on the effects of racial stress and trauma on racially and ethnically marginalized people. This is especially true for adolescent youth, whose primary psychosocial task is identity formation. This research seeks to explore the importance of racial-ethnic identity formation, as well as how to ethically address the effects of racial trauma through a trauma-informed art therapy curriculum. Gaps in treatment for racial stress and trauma, as well as the use of an art therapy treatment approach, are identified. Theoretical frameworks, such as Erikson’s Psychosocial Developmental Stages, Multicultural Therapy, and TF-CBT are all explored to establish a foundation for the curriculum. A review and analysis of related research regarding racial trauma, external factors in school and the community, and art therapy addressing racial trauma are all included. In addition to a breakdown of the curriculum, the methodology section outlines an 8-week closed group, with TF-CBT as the main theoretical foundation. It also provides insight into the benefits, limitations, and areas of further research for fostering the development of a racial-ethnic identity in youth of Color.