“Poveži se bojom, približi se slikom” – art-terapija u funkciji zaštite i unapređenja mentalnog zdravlja djece i mladih s teškoćama u razvoju
“Connect through colour, get closer through pictures”- art therapy in the protection and improvement of mental health of children and young people with developmental difficulties

Summary/Abstract: In this paper, the use of art therapy to maintain and improve the mental health of children and young people with disabilities is described. The stigmatisation that such young people often encounter diminishes their mental health, while successful social integration maintains and develops their mental health. This has been shown in a study conducted within the project “Connect through colour, get closer through pictures”, in which the participants were children and young people with disabilities, as well as their peers without developmental disabilities. The fundamental aim of the project was to raise awareness and sensitivity of children from primary and secondary schools toward the problems, needs and abilities of people with disabilities, and to stimulate them to think and act in an inclusive manner. The research was carried out as part of a project in which 359 pupils from Split-Dalmatia County participated. A survey of open- and closed-ended questions was administered, after which qualitative and quantitative data were analysed. The results of this research showed that art therapy as a tool for social interaction contributes to the protection and improvement of mental health in children with disabilities, and increases sensitivity and acceptance from their peers without disabilities. The resulting two-way socialisation in the stimulating environment contributes to the protection and improvement of mental health of children with disabilities.

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