Abstract
M.A.
The aim of the thesis is to illustrate the process of developing a psychoeducational program as part of the rehabilitation and development of juvenile delinquents, through the effective use of music, art and dancing in a therapeutic context. The rationale of the program is to give delinquents the psychological freedom to express emotions in a functional and constructive way. Delinquents are described by Thorpe, Smith, Green, & Paley (1980) as socially and emotionally deprived. Art, music and drama has been shown to be not only a diagnostic tool, but also as being successful in therapy with children with behavioural problems, such CHAPTER 1 - BACKGROUND AND ORIENTATION as delinquency (Epanchin & Paul, 1987). Margaret Naumberg (1983, in Epanchin & Paul, 1987), a pioneer in art therapy in America, describes art as a way to bring clarity and order to mixed or poorly understood
feelings. The focus of the following chapters will be on the explanatory models of delinquency, developments in the treatment of delinquency, as well as the process followed in developing the expressionistic program. Some of the factors influencing and enhancing the positive use of music, art and drama will also be given. The expressionistic program will be included in appendix A. It is hoped that this development will inspire the further development and use of the arts in the therapeutic and rehabilitation process.