Art Therapy’s Supportive Role in Self-Esteem for Youth and Correlating External Factors

The development of self-esteem in children and adolescents has been greatly influenced by the environment in which they have been exposed and nurtured. The external factors that have been present in an individual’s experiences shape the format and understanding in their perception of self, especially self-esteem. Correlations have been recognized between external factors and levels of self-esteem. With these external factors growing and evolving, research and various therapeutic interactions can support the positive growth of self-esteem. Art therapy has played an altering role in children and adolescents’ perceptions of self through exploration in empowerment and creative therapeutic skills. Art mediums and techniques have been used to reframe the mental perspective of self-esteem and its relationship to the individual in their identity. With a stronger connection toward positive self-esteem, individuals can continue in the progressing phases of adulthood, supporting their empowered sense of self