This study aimed to preliminarily explore the effects of a Tier 3 intervention program within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports grounded in Trauma-Informed Care, designed to understand the psychological difficulties of abused children within the cont...
This study aimed to preliminarily explore the effects of a Tier 3 intervention program within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports grounded in Trauma-Informed Care, designed to understand the psychological difficulties of abused children within the context of trauma responses. In particular, this study examined changes in self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related responses among abused children through an art therapy intervention mediated by picture books. The participants were three abused children, one each from the lower, middle, and upper elementary school grades. A single-group repeated-measures case study design was employed. The program consisted of 12 sessions and provided individualized interventions focusing on safety awareness, emotional understanding and expression, emotion regulation, and the enhancement of self-efficacy. Data were collected using quantitative measures assessing self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, and trauma responses, along with qualitative data including behavioral observations, caregiver interviews, and projective drawing assessments (KFD and PPAT). The results indicated that all participants showed tendencies toward increased self-efficacy and decreased levels of anxiety and depression following participation in the program. In addition, trauma-related emotional and behavioral responses were generally alleviated. Qualitative analysis revealed that, over the course of the sessions, participants demonstrated expanded emotional awareness and expression, as well as more proactive and adaptive coping behaviors in anxiety-provoking situations. This study is significant as a preliminary investigation that systematically applied Trauma-Informed Care within a Tier 3 MTSS framework for abused children and suggests the clinical applicability of picture book–mediated art therapy.