The purpose of this study is what group art therapy effects the behavior problems of
olds with dementia.
6 old men and women who staying in Medical Treatment Center were selected for study.
50 minutes per each session, the survey has done 25 times with group art therapy program.
Survey questionnaire for behavior problems was used as estimating tool, and analysis for
test result was based on Paired T-test with qualitative analysis and statistical proof.
The results were as follows;
1. The group art therapy remarkably reduced the frequency of behavior problem of olds
with dementia. They became more concerned each other and lesser angered and displeased.
They also showed that they are understanding the other's feeling.
2. In the change of individual paintings, the time concentrating on the program was grew
longer, more colors were used, and they turned into a level of expressing about their own
works. Their faces brightened up and their behavior problems were reduced.
3. In the change of each session, they became more concerned, praised and turned to
each other.
This study for problem behavior of old men with abnormal behavior, agnosia and
emotional instability caused by dementia have traced back in their own memory through
self integration and rumination. On behalf of enjoying the rest of their life, group art
therapy was addressed. The above justified the fact that group art therapy had effects on
reduce of problem behavior.
Group art therapy is a group activity that makes old men with dementia to represent their own desire and emotion through drawing procedure. Therefore, it is useful counseling technique in controlling sense of alienation, loss of self, depression, feeling of uneasiness, and anger of old men with dementia.
Key Words : Group Art Therapy, Behavior Problems of Old Man, Dementia