Analysis of Art Therapy Programs for Infants and Toddlers Based on Domestic Academic Journals

Objectives This study was conducted to analyze art therapy programs for infants and toddlers based on domestic academic journals and to provide future assistance in the field. Methods The subjects of the study were 56 domestic academic journals that conducted art therapy programs for infants and toddlers. Results First, in terms of general research trends, 13 to 14 art therapy programs have been published consistently since 2004, and since 2009, they have been published in academic journals related to education and welfare in addition to academic journals related to therapy. Second, in terms of classification by purpose of art therapy programs, the purpose related to emotional development and support was the most common, with 30 articles (41.7%). Third, in terms of the actual process of art therapy, infants were the most common research subjects, and the method of implementation was group art therapy, with the implementation period being 15 or more sessions. Fourth, in terms of research design and data analysis, comparative group experimental treatments were common, and quantitative research was conducted the most. Conclusions We hope that this study will help to understand the art therapy program and prevent psychological difficulties in infants and toddlers through holistic development, and that it will be used as basic data that will be helpful in the educational field.