ART THERAPY AS A METHOD OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN EXPERIENCING STRESSFUL CONDITIONS

Abstract

Contemporary social transformations, rising global instability and protracted crises have a significant impact on the psychological and emotional well-being of the population. Children’s mental health is particularly vulnerable to stressors, as they are still in the process of developing the mechanisms needed to adapt to challenging life circumstances. Under such conditions, the risk of various psycho-emotional disorders increases significantly, which can have a negative impact on personality development, socialisation and psychological well-being. A key factor in the development of stress-related conditions in children is events linked to armed conflicts, forced displacement, the breakdown of social ties, and a general atmosphere of danger and uncertainty. Such circumstances can cause anxiety, adjustment difficulties, emotional instability, as well as the development of more complex mental states requiring timely psychological support. In this regard, the search for effective methods to help children cope with stress and restore their psycho-emotional balance is of particular relevance Art therapy occupies an important place among such methods, as it is based on the use of creative activity as a means of self-expression and emotional processing of inner experiences. The use of art therapy practices creates conditions for the safe expression of emotions, helps to reduce internal tension, develop self-regulation skills and restore psychological stability. The use of creativity in psychocorrectional work also contributes to the formation of positive self-esteem, the improvement of communication skills, and the harmonious development of the child’s personality. It is noted that the use of art therapy in working with children can serve as one of the effective means of addressing stressful states and providing psychological support in the context of contemporary social challenges