Facilitatory roles of art therapy on victims of ethno-religious crises

Abstract

This study attempted to examine how the victims of ethno-religious crises in Nigeria, especially children who are either orphans or have lost either of the parents during religious riots, would respond through creative activities using art media. Specifically, the objectives were to:  find out the roles of art therapy in reducing trauma, depression, anger, stress, or other emotional related cases The Study was carried out at Stephen Centre Children Home Ogun State, South West, Nigeria. Purposive or judgemental sampling was used by the researcher. All children in the Centre’s boarding are from the crises ridden zones of the country and have lost their fathers, while few have lost both father and mother.  The main research design used for the study was experimental. 50 subjects, distributed over junior secondary class one to senior secondary class 2. The data were collected through practical (creative) process measuring test (PPMT). With the help of 4 research assistants 2 caregivers (who provided records and information) and 1 psychologist, the researcher was able to administer the research instrument to collect the data.  During the art therapy sessions, creative processes were observed while children interact with varieties of art materials ranging from colours to clay based on predetermined themes. Products were mounted for discussion and interaction. The children were able to draw and tell the stories of their painful incidences, looked beyond their predicaments to visualize positive and hopeful future. There was an average progress for 56% of the children in second term examination than first term examination.

Keywords: Vulnerable, ethnic cleansing, ethno-religious, therapeutic, adoptive parent, foster parent, NSC, gnome, emotional abuse, physical abuse and trauma.