| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the research. The experiences of adult children of alcoholics have been insufficiently explored in the field of art therapy, and there is a particular lack of research focusing on women’s emotional expression in the creative process. Since these experiences are often difficult to verbalize, art therapy becomes a meaningful space for exploring them through non-verbal and symbolic means. Aim of the research. To reveal how the childhood experiences of women who grew up with alcohol-dependent parents, and the emotions related to these experiences, are expressed and reflected upon in the art therapy process. Research objectives: 1. To analyze scientific literature on the psychological experiences of adult children of alcoholics, the characteristics of emotional expression, and the possibilities of applying art therapy to this target group. 2. To explore what childhood experiences emerge in the art therapy process among women who grew up with alcohol-dependent parents. 3. To analyze how emotions related to childhood experiences are expressed in artworks and in participants’ reflections. Methods. Analysis of scientific literature, thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke, and analysis of the formal elements and content of artworks. Results. The art therapy process revealed experiences of a lack of emotional safety, loneliness, rejection, early responsibility, adaptation to family expectations, and a lack of love. In the artworks, emotions were expressed through composition, line intensity, closed or fragmented forms, color choices, and recurring symbols such as nature motifs, spirals, circles, houses, and sources of light. Conclusions. Art therapy created conditions for the participants to safely express and reflect on childhood experiences that were difficult to verbalize. The study showed that creative expression can help identify not only painful experiences but also signs of inner resilience and self-strengthening. |
