Drawing therapy is one of the ways for children to express their emotion. Through the application of drawing therapy, children are able to develop their cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills. This process will then enhance their self concept.The purpose of this study is to apply drawing therapy elements for children in Pusat Anak PERMATA Negara(PAPN) to further develop their self concept. The study also aims to produce a handbook for the teachers in PAPN to apply drawing elements therapy for the children in the centers. The Kinetic Family Drawing Model is used in the study since family is considered as the closest element in children’s environment. The study was conducted in six PAPN in East Region of Peninsular Malaysia which included the PAPN in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. 18 children, 6 parents and 13 teachers were invoved in the study. Data was collected through observations, interviews and document analysis of the children’s development. The data was analysed qualitatively and quantatively using descriptive analysis. Interview transcriptions were analysed using Nvivo. The findings showed an increase in children’s self concept for the aspects of emotion, self confidence, leadership, courage and social relationship after the drawing therapy sessions. There was also an evidence showing the increase of language ability, thinking ability and fine motor skills. This showed that drawing therapy able to increase children’s self concept among PAPN children. Conclusion, implication and further suggestion are discussed in the final chapter for future researchers.
Norasmah Mohd Noor
