Abstract
In the Faroe Islands, no research exists on the number of young people growing up with parental substance misuse, nor how their childhood is affected by the misuse. According to the Danish Health Authorities, approximately 122.000 Danish children grow up with parental substance misuse. Converted to Faroese numbers, it would correspond to approximately 1.200 Faroese children and adolescents.
In Scandinavia and in other comparable countries, research shows that parental substance misuse not only affects the parent with the drug or alcohol addiction, but also the partner and the children. Research also shows that parental sub stance misuse in childhood is a risk factor for the development and wellbeing of children. Young people with these childhood experiences might therefore profit from group therapy such as the one that Títt Rúm offers. Títt Rúm is part of the Faroese department of Blue Cross and provides psychotherapeutical treatment to children and young people affected by parental substance misuse.
From September 2020 to June 2021, an art therapeutical element was included in two youth therapy groups at Títt Rúm, including 12 group members aged 18 to 24. In the summer of 2021, a qualitative study was made about this group treatment. The purpose of the study was to gather knowledge about the possible beneficial effects of the art therapeutical element. We also wanted to gather knowledge about the group
members' experiences of the group therapy: what they experienced as helpful and what had not been helpful to them in group.
The results showed that some group members, but not all, considered the art therapeutical element helpful and meaningful. All group members felt a special bond to the other group members and experienced the group as safe and open. The sense of belonging helped lessen feelings of loneliness by normalizing each member's situation. Group therapy has a high level of complexity, but we believe that creative groups have largely positive qualities and are a
relevant option to improve the mental wellbeing, especially for young people.
In Scandinavia and in other comparable countries, research shows that parental substance misuse not only affects the parent with the drug or alcohol addiction, but also the partner and the children. Research also shows that parental sub stance misuse in childhood is a risk factor for the development and wellbeing of children. Young people with these childhood experiences might therefore profit from group therapy such as the one that Títt Rúm offers. Títt Rúm is part of the Faroese department of Blue Cross and provides psychotherapeutical treatment to children and young people affected by parental substance misuse.
From September 2020 to June 2021, an art therapeutical element was included in two youth therapy groups at Títt Rúm, including 12 group members aged 18 to 24. In the summer of 2021, a qualitative study was made about this group treatment. The purpose of the study was to gather knowledge about the possible beneficial effects of the art therapeutical element. We also wanted to gather knowledge about the group
members' experiences of the group therapy: what they experienced as helpful and what had not been helpful to them in group.
The results showed that some group members, but not all, considered the art therapeutical element helpful and meaningful. All group members felt a special bond to the other group members and experienced the group as safe and open. The sense of belonging helped lessen feelings of loneliness by normalizing each member's situation. Group therapy has a high level of complexity, but we believe that creative groups have largely positive qualities and are a
relevant option to improve the mental wellbeing, especially for young people.
| Translated title of the contribution | Using art in group psychotherapy for young people growing up with parental substance misuse |
|---|---|
| Original language | Faroese |
| Place of Publication | T |
| Publisher | Blái Krossur Føroya |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Keywords
- alchoholic
- family background
- family health
- children
- mental health
- alcholic parents
- young adults
- Faroe Islands
