A Qualitative Case Study on the Experience of Participating in Free Semester Art Education of Junior High School: The Convergence of Formative Art and Art Therapy

Objectives The purpose of this study attempted to find out what students who participated in free semester art education in middle school experience in the curriculum that combines formative art and art therapy, and what the meaning of the experience is. Methods The method study participants were 10 voluntarily participating out of 65 first graders of middle school A who participated in the free semester system art education in region B. Art education was conducted once a week from March to May 2022, 90 minutes of block time class, and data were analyzed based on qualitative case study methods. Results As a result, 6 upper themes and 17 lower themes were derived through art education in which art therapy was fused. Looking at the results centering on the main categories, as you learned your psychology, you gained a sense of accomplishment by discovering a new self and acquiring new knowledge. As the range of thoughts expanded, the ability to cope with crises improved, and the importance of communication with others was confirmed through correct self-expression. Confidence was raised and stress was relieved by the free expression of emotions inherent in a comfortable environment. With a new perspective on differences, I have come to accept myself objectified and understand others. Conclusions First, participants became opportunities for self-exploration beyond the standardized framework of process-oriented art therapy education. Second, the breadth of thinking expanded by acquiring new knowledge through various experiences. Third, by formatively creating emotions that were not expressed in everyday life and converting stressed or suppressed emotions into active energy, they gained a sense of psychological stability. Fourth, they established a positive self-image by understanding their own acceptance and others. Based on these research results, the significance and limitations of this study were discussed.