ART THERAPY AS A MEANS OF DEVELOPING THE NATIONAL IDENTITY OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN DECOUPLED TERRITORIES: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS

Abstract

The specific challenges faced by citizens of the country due to living under occupation are highlighted. The feasibility of using art-therapy to restore and develop the national identity of young people in the de-occupied territories of Ukraine was substantiated. The properties of art therapy as an effective method capable of promoting the restoration and development of the national identity of young people after de-occupation were identified. These include: 1) the closeness of the Ukrainian mentality; 2) reliance on creativity and the possibility of incorporating traditional national cultural elements; 3) reliance on human resources; 4) ecological access to hidden traumatic memories and experiences; 5) safe processing of complex emotional experiences in a controlled environment; 6) the creative process as a way to restore a sense of control and manageability over one’s life; 7) creative self-expression as a path to post-traumatic growth; 8) a safe space for interaction, shared experiences and exchange of experiences; 9) creating conditions for finding new forms of interaction with the world; 10) facilitating adaptation to an ever-changing world. Three main groups of risks to the national identity of young people caused by living under occupation have been identified. Namely: 1) the threat to the existence of national identity and its erosion; 2) the weakening (loss) of connection with national culture and its symbols; 3) the disruption (loss) of social ties, trust and cohesion. A model for the development of national identity among young people in de-occupied territories through art therapy is presented, outlining the main areas of work, problem areas within each area and possible ways of addressing them through art therapy.