Drawing as a Salutogenic Therapy Aid for Grieving Adolescents

Abstract

Drawing can improve sensory motor skills, encourage the use of imagination, help to develop creativity, and above all presents a fun and enjoyable pastime (Vendeville et al. 2018). However, beyond play and skill development, it is an important method of communication and a tool for exploring complex and difficult issues, which may be more challenging with younger individuals (Pifalo 2007;Ugurlu et al. 2016). Drawing can also assist as a therapeutic aid in the identification of pathways to good health and well-being, such as enabling young people to map and reflect on their local supportive resources, in turn enabling a more positive reappraisal of their situation (Campbell et al. 2010;Campbell et al. 2015). The first chapter of this volume (see Chap. 1), describes the potential for the Arts and health promotion in a broad treatment, this chapter focuses specifically on the salutogenic qualities of drawing.