A Study of the Formative Expression Activities of Hospitalized Children

—Consideration of Effects, Materials, and Methods—

Abstract

In this study, I examined the effectiveness of formative expression activities for hospitalized children and the materials and methods used for these activities. During this time, I focused on the psychological state peculiar to the hospitalized children with acute leukemia and chronic diseases. I used play therapy and art therapy, which are often used as nonverbal psychotherapy for children who need counseling. The results showed that formative expression activities may lead to catharsis and sublimation in hospitalized children who suffer from stress and anxiety. This was also considered to work therapeutically from a psychological standpoint. Next, ten books were used to investigate the modeling materials used in play therapy and art therapy for children. It was suggested that “crayon,” “watercolor,” and “water-based clay” are the most common materials used in expressing emotions, and that these are useful in psychological approaches for hospitalized children. Furthermore, for the practice activity set in the clean pediatric area, I found that active involvement such as “see, touch, and select” is an activity that can be used as a method to foster self-affirmation and communication with others.