The purpose of this study was to explore changes in
self-differentiation, family communication, and family cohesion among
a family with a high school student with an intellectual disability
during a Tree-Drawing Family Art Therapy program based on
Bow...
The purpose of this study was to explore changes in
self-differentiation, family communication, and family cohesion among
a family with a high school student with an intellectual disability
during a Tree-Drawing Family Art Therapy program based on
Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. To achieve this purpose, the core
concepts of Bowen’s Family Systems Theory—self-differentiation,
emotional fusion, and family projection—were adopted as the
theoretical framework, and a Tree-Drawing Family Art Therapy
program using tree drawing as the primary therapeutic medium was
developed and implemented.
The program consisted of 12 sessions. Quantitative analysis was
conducted using the Korean version of the Differentiation of Self
Inventory-Revised (K-DSI-R), the Family Communication Scale
(FCS), and the Korean revised 24-item Family Cohesion Scale based
on FACES-III. Qualitative analysis was conducted using Tree
Drawings, Kinetic Family Drawings (KFD), session observation
records, and participants’ statements. The quantitative and qualitative
data were integrated for interpretation.
The findings of this study were as follows.
First, self-differentiation did not show a statistically significant
difference; however, the mean scores showed an increasing trend.
Qualitative analysis revealed increased self-awareness, expanded
emotional expression, and improved emotional stability. In addition,
the Tree Drawings showed positive changes, including greater trunk
stability and more balanced use of space.
Second, family communication did not show a statistically
significant difference; however, the mean scores showed an increasing
trend. Qualitative analysis revealed increased emotional expression
and reciprocal responses, as well as expanded exchange of opinions
and collaborative decision-making. Furthermore, collaborative
Tree-Drawing activities demonstrated active joint participation and
interaction among family members.
Third, family cohesion did not show a statistically significant
difference; however, the mean scores showed an increasing trend.
Qualitative analysis revealed increased mutual acceptance and
cooperative behaviors, decreased spatial distance within the drawings,
and enhanced structural stability. Furthermore, the Tree Drawings
and Kinetic Family Drawings (KFD) reflected changes indicating
strengthened emotional bonds and the restructuring of family
relationships.
Overall, although no statistically significant differences were found
in the quantitative analysis of self-differentiation, family
communication, and Family Cohesion the qualitative analysis
consistently demonstrated increased self-awareness, expanded
emotional expression, enhanced interaction, and strengthened
emotional bonds among family members. In addition, the improvement
trends identified in the quantitative analysis were generally consistent
.
with the patterns of change observed in the qualitative analysis.
Therefore, Tree-Drawing Family Art Therapy based on Bowen’s
Family Systems Theory appears to be a useful family
systems–based approach for exploring changes in emotional
interactions and relationship structures within families associated with
self-differentiation, emotional fusion, and family projection.
Furthermore, this study is meaningful in that it comprehensively
explored families’ emotional experiences and relationship dynamics
through Tree Drawings and Kinetic Family Drawings (KFD), and
provides foundational data for future research on family counseling
and family intervention for families with a high school student with
an intellectual disability.