The Effects of Art Therapy on the Self-Efficacy and Self-Concept of a Group of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This quantitative study utilized a within group, pre and posttest design to examine whether a group art therapy experience would have an effect on the self-concept and self-efficacy of group of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Six subjects took part in the study (n=3 male) and (n=3 female) ages 7 to 10. The subjects took part in eight group art therapy sessions which lasted approximately one hour each. The art tasks were designed to provide students with opportunities to gain mastery and competence. It was hypothesized that an experience in an art therapy group would facilitate positive changes in self-efficacy and self-concept. The Person Picking an Apple from a Tree (PPAT) and Pier-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale, second edition (Piers-Harris 2) were used as pre and posttest assessments to measure self-concept and self-efficacy. Results from the pre and post measures offered partial support for the hypothesis and positive implications for future research.