A Case Study on Group Art Therapy for Improving View Acceptance: Youth and Adults without Psychiatric Treatment Experience

Objectives This study aims to improve the ability to accept views of oneself and others based on understanding personality types and stereotypes, and to help them easily apply them in real life. Methods The group art therapy program was conducted once a week for about 3 hours from March 10 to April 6, 2024, for a total of 5 sessions of 13 adolescents and adults who had no psychiatric treatment experience in S city. The program consisted of five stages from the introductory period to the end of the group, and was designed to allow participants to explore personality types, stereotypes, and ability to accept views and express emotions and experiences visually using simple MBTI activity sheets and art media. In addition, the changes of participants were analyzed in-depth through a single case study methodology. Results As a result of the study, understanding personality types (MBTI) and stereotypes contributed to the improvement of interpersonal relationships by reinforcing perspective acceptance ability and self-awareness of others. In addition, initial tension and low group cohesion were alleviated through group activities, and as a result, self-expression and empathy ability were improved. Accordingly, this study confirmed that the process of improving perspective acceptance ability can have a positive effect on improving interpersonal relationships. Conclusions Based on the understanding and acceptance of each other's differences, this study suggested ways to improve viewing capacity and easy applicability in real life.