Art Making as a Component and Facilitator of Resiliency with Homeless Youth
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Description:
This research article examines the impact of art and creativity on homeless youths who attend programs at drop-in centers.
Content:
Homelessness among youth is a serious societal problem in the United States. Treatment efforts have approached the problem from a damage model that focuses on pathology and deficits instead of strengthening coping skills and resiliency. This study utilized both quantitative (N=212) and qualitative (n=3) measures to examine the function of creativity and art making with respect to resiliency in homeless youth who were attending a drop-in art center. Quantitative methods identified a strong correlation between an individual's engagement in creative activity and his or her life achievement. Individual stories derived from interviews and drawings illustrate how participants valued the role of art in making healthy lifestyle choices. Creativity may be a critical component of resiliency in the lives of homeless youth. (Authors)
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
2008
Volume:
25
Issue:
4
Pages:
156-163