Date of Graduation

Summer 2011

Degree

Master of Science in Counseling

Department

Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education

Committee Chair

Kristi Perryman

Abstract

The self-esteem of eight eighth grade students who qualified for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) (i.e. students who receive free/reduced lunches) were measured using the Piers-Harris Childrens Self-Concept Scale, Second Edition. Within this group, expressive arts therapy techniques were implemented in order to provide the adolescents with an approach which provides an opportunity for self exploration, expression, discovery and growth using various mediums. The study focused particularly on those which pertain to art and music therapy activities. A mixed design was used in order to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were represented by the students' scores from the self-esteem measurement, while the qualitative data were represented by the weekly journaling activities completed by the students, as well as observations and interviews

Keywords

expressive arts therapy techniques, low socioeconomic status, self-esteem, middle school students, Peirs-harris Children's Self-Concept Scale

Subject Categories

Counseling

Copyright

© Stephanie L. Peek

Campus Only

Share

COinS