Learning From a Failed Mixed Methods Child Art-Therapy Research Project

Abstract

This paper critically describes a mixed methods study focused on the development of a measurement instrument and the effectiveness evaluation of an art-therapy intervention for children. The project combined an outcome research, conducted for the validation of a psychotherapy program for children with behavioral and emotional problems, with a mixed qualitative-quantitative study for the development and validation of an observation sheet for the analysis of video recordings in the assessment of children’s self-image. Even if the quantitative analysis showed that both the instrument and the program were adequate, the research program cannot be considered a success because of several shortcomings. We describe the strengths and the gaps of the qualitative study, as well as the likely motives for the failure of the entire project. We also include lessons learned and recommendations.