Curriculum for group art therapy to improve life skills for male adolescents

This paper provides information and resources for creating a curriculum that focuses on developing life and social skills in male adolescents through group art therapy. Statistics show that there is a growing percentage of adolescents who are facing mental health challenges. Current research suggests that interventions and prevention strategies could help adolescents better cope with life’s challenges now and in the future. In addition, research on art therapy and its benefits on adolescents is lacking and therefore requires more attention. The focus of the paper and research is to acknowledge and attune to the needs of this specific age group and create a curriculum that meets the needs of this particular population. Through further research in Developmental and Humanistic Theories, the 8-week group art therapy sessions will allow for group collaboration, an increase in self-awareness, and a focused look into the challenges that adolescents face. Mixed methods, including observation, interviews, and surveys, will be used to collect data and analyze the impact of art therapy on adolescents and their life skills. Anticipated outcomes include increased research into the benefits of art therapy for adolescents and enhanced growth in life skills through group and art therapy. Art therapy can be an effective method of treatment and prevention for male adolescents, mainly when used in groups. This curriculum can be adapted for use with other populations. In addition, the use of control groups and cross-cultural studies can help further our understanding of the benefits of group art therapy in teaching valuable skills.