A Study on Social Justice Interest and Commitment among Art Therapists

This study aims to examine art therapists' levels of social justice interest and commitment, analyze differences according to individual characteristics, and identify the contributing factors. An online survey including measures of social justice interest and commitment was conducted with art therapists in South Korea. Using independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and regression analyses, we analyzed 216 valid responses to identify group differences and significant predictors. The results indicated that art therapists demonstrated moderate levels of social justice interest and commitment, with commitment levels slightly lower than interest levels. Significant group differences were found based on political interest and social justice education experience. Further analyses revealed that these variables, along with age, were identified as significant predictors. Additionally, educational pathways showed varying influences on both social justice interest and commitment. This study highlights the need for educational and institutional support to enhance art therapists' social justice competencies, providing a valuable basis for future research and education training in art therapy.