Abstract

This research paper takes a look at how group art therapy enables children with conduct disorders and other behavioral problems to increase their social skills. I begin with a look at the literature on conduct disorders and describe this disorder as well as how it manifests in children. I go on to investigate the art therapy literature on groups and look at the various aspects of artmaking in group situations that help children develop important skills. The second part of this research is dedicated to a case study of a group of children with conduct disorders and other behavioral problems, who took part in weekly group art therapy sessions over a period of seven months. I describe their process and improvements throughout the course of the treatment, and attempt to explain what important factors enabled the children to improve their social skills.