Making a picture book based on externalization therapy and examining its efficiency

Abstract

Externalization (White et al. 1990) is one of the effective techniques in narrative therapy. This technique or process focuses not on finding out the cause but on eliminating the “problem” itself. This process requires identifying a problem and seeking a unique experience which has not been affected by a “problem.”

For investigating its effectiveness in elementary school students in Japan, in this research firstly a picture book that is appropriate for elementary students was prepared (Purpose 1). Following this, as a process, the researchers and collaborators (Elementary school students) read through the book together, conducted interviews and examined its validity (Purpose 2).

Using this process, the participants could detach their “problem” from themselves and identified the problem objectively. However, the research could not confirm sufficient efficiency of the psychological effect of the externalization therapy technique.

Furthermore, this research provided a perspective on making picture books, considered the steps of development of reading skill and showed the necessity of a reciter who can assist the collaborators’ understanding.