Humanities Studios: Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy

Development of empathy in students (psychology students) using art therapy

Olena Dudar
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Abstract

The study aimed to address the impact of art therapeutic methods on the development of empathy among psychologists. The methodology was based on the analysis of research on group and individual classes, where students could express themselves through creativity and analyse personal emotional states. The main results of the study demonstrated that after art therapy, students significantly improved their skills in perceiving emotions, reflecting and active listening. The study revealed an increase in emotional sensitivity and non-verbal signal comprehension, which is a substantial component of psychological practice. In addition, the group sessions contributed to the development of social empathy, as students actively empathised with each other through discussions of their artworks and emotional experiences. The results also indicated a positive impact of art therapy on students' ability to cope with emotional stress and difficult situations, which is important for their professional activities. The results of the study demonstrated that art therapy contributes to the development of empathy in psychologists, as it stimulates the improvement of emotional sensitivity and the ability to determine the emotional states of other people. The use of creative techniques such as drawing, modelling, and dance-movement therapy helped students to reflect on emotions more deeply and improve their active listening and empathy skills. After completing the art therapy sessions, the students demonstrated improvements in emotional self-reflection, social empathy and readiness for professional interaction with clients. The practical significance of the study is determined by the fact that its results can be used by teachers of psychological disciplines, practising psychologists and art therapists to improve the methods of developing empathy in students and professionals working in the field of interpersonal counselling

Keywords

creative expression; reflection; creative techniques; social interaction; aesthetic perception

Suggested citation
Dudar, O. (2024). Development of empathy in students (psychology students) using art therapy. Humanities Studios: Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, 12(3), 9-24. https://doi.org/10.31548/hspedagog/3.2024.9
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