The Impact of Visual Art Therapy on the Psychological and Mental Health of Students with Learning Difficulties in the Second Cycle in the Sultanate of Oman from the Perspective of Their Teachers

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of visual art therapy on the psychological and mental health of a sample of students with learning difficulties in South Al Batinah Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman, from the perspective of their teachers. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach using interviews as the primary data collection tool. The research was conducted with teachers who participated in the therapeutic sessions of an intervention based on artistic practices integrating visual arts activities with the Arabic language curriculum, particularly reading and oral expression skills. The intervention targeted self-esteem, social communication skills, and oral expression skills among students with oral language difficulties and dyslexia. The findings indicated that the art-based therapeutic intervention had a positive effect on students with oral language difficulties and dyslexia in improving their psychological and mental health, as reflected in enhanced self-esteem, social communication, and oral expression. Accordingly, the researcher recommended the need to evaluate art therapy–based interventions within school environments across various domains and among different student groups.