| Abstract [eng] |
The period of motherhood, especially while raising young children, is characterized by increased emotional sensitivity, identity changes, and fluctuations in psychological well-being. Research indicates that many women experience heightened stress, fatigue, anxiety, or depressive symptoms during this stage of life, highlighting the need for accessible and effective forms of psychological support. Although arts therapies are increasingly applied to strengthen psychological well-being, there is still a lack of studies exploring psychological well-being as a dynamic process revealed through symbolic and visual expression in art therapy. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of psychological well-being among mothers raising young children (up to 5 years old) in the process of art therapy. The objectives of the study were: (1) to conduct a scientific literature review revealing the links between motherhood during early child-rearing and psychological well-being in the context of art therapy; (2) to evaluate the overall change in the target group’s psychological well-being before and after the art therapy cycle; (3) to analyze the symbolic and visual expression in artworks created during the art therapy process, revealing the dynamics of psychological well-being; (4) to summarize the researcher’s journal data by identifying the main themes related to the experience of psychological well-being in the art therapy group. A mixed-method research design combining quantitative and qualitative methods was applied. Data were collected using a psychological well-being questionnaire, analysis of artworks created during art therapy based on the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) model and symbolic analysis, as well as thematic analysis of the researcher’s journal. The study was conducted from October to December 2025 in an art therapy group involving mothers raising young children. The findings revealed that the art therapy process provided conditions for mothers to express emotional experiences, reflect on their inner states, and strengthen their relationship with themselves. The dynamics of psychological well-being were reflected in changes in symbols, composition, color, and artistic expression. Early artworks more frequently contained fragmented compositions, spirals, whirlpools, dark contours, and motifs reflecting emotional tension, while later works included symbols of nature, light, water, fire, and containing forms associated with emotional safety, inner support, and integration. The thematic analysis of the researcher’s journal revealed recurring themes of emotional exhaustion, ambivalence of motherhood, emotional regulation, self-reflection, and increasing self6 efficacy. Quantitative data demonstrated a slight but consistent tendency toward improved psychological well-being following the art therapy cycle. The results suggest that psychological well-being may be understood as a dynamic phenomenon revealed through the creative process. Art therapy creates opportunities for emotional expression, selfreflection, symbolic meaning-making, and strengthening of inner resources, and therefore may be considered a meaningful form of psychological support for mothers raising young children. |
