A descriptive study of trends in the pictures drawn by primary school learners in South Africa

Abstract

The presence of two or more EIs, small pictures or pictures in dark colours may indicate clinical depression. Health professionals are advised not to try to interpret the picture, but to use the picture to enhance communication. Let the child explain the picture, rather than relying only on the assessment tool.

Exploring the Use of Arts-Based Interventions and Research Methods in Families of Seriously Ill Children: A Scoping Review

“…Conversely, some children and families found that meaningful relationships with health care providers lent to helpful experiences as recorded in their drawings ( Woodgate et al, 2014 ). Generally, it appeared that improving communication to support enhanced understanding for children and their families was essential ( Hyslop et al, 2018 ) and, importantly, arts-based activities and interventions effectively supported this endeavor ( Abdulah & Abdulla, 2018 ; Akard et al, 2015 ; Ångström-Brännström et al, 2013 ; Ångström-Brännström & Norberg, 2014 ; Brits, 2018 ; Ebrahimpour et al, 2021 ; Galvez et al, 2021 ; Linder et al, 2018 ; Manning et al, 2017 ; Massimo & Zarri, 2006 ; Packman et al, 2008 ; Rollins, 2005 ; Soanes et al, 2009 ; Sposito et al, 2016 ; Woodgate et al, 2014 ).…”

“…This young patient used drawings of a dragon as a metaphor for their diagnosis, often using them to explain their experiences to the nurse and family members ( Ångström-Brännström et al, 2013 ). Similarly, Brits (2018) sought to evaluate whether the HFD tool ( Koppitz, 1968 ) could be used to evaluate emotional well-being of African school-aged children in palliative care. The author found that drawing improved communication of the needs of African school-aged children in palliative care to their providers and families which is significant because communication is deemed to be the cornerstone of palliative care ( Brits, 2018 ).…”

“…The cumulative effects of engaging in arts-based research methods and interventions may lead to greater Emotional Health in pediatric patients and their family members. Artsbased interventions offer an emotional outlet that these populations might not have otherwise, making emotions more explainable (Ångström-Brännström et al, 2013;Brits, 2018).…”

“…Similarly, Brits (2018) sought to evaluate whether the HFD tool (Koppitz, 1968) could be used to evaluate emotional well-being of African school-aged children in palliative care. The author found that drawing improved communication of the needs of African school-aged children in palliative care to their providers and families which is significant because communication is deemed to be the cornerstone of palliative care (Brits, 2018). The pictures acted as a starting point for discussing emotions and other challenges the children were facing (Brits, 2018).…”

“…The author found that drawing improved communication of the needs of African school-aged children in palliative care to their providers and families which is significant because communication is deemed to be the cornerstone of palliative care (Brits, 2018). The pictures acted as a starting point for discussing emotions and other challenges the children were facing (Brits, 2018). Brits (2018) also found that HFDs (Koppitz, 1968) were helpful in screening for depression in children in this setting.…”