Therapeutic Effects of Art on Emotional Expression in Conflict-Affected Students

This study investigates the short-term therapeutic effects of art interventions on the emotional expressions of Grade 9 and 10 students in conflict-affected areas of Myanmar. Utilizing a quantitative experimental method, this study measures how emotional changes occurred through free and guided drawing sessions. By analyzing pre- and post-intervention survey data, the impact of how art interventions on emotional well-being of adolescents were determined, particularly in terms of reducing sadness and worry, while enhancing happiness and mental peace. Particularly, guided drawing helps students express complex emotions more directly, indicating that structured art activities can be effective therapeutic tools in educational settings to aid adolescents cope with the psychological challenges posed by conflict environments. It contributes to the field by highlighting the potential of art interventions to improve mental health and emotional resilience among youth in crisis settings.