Flow Indicators in Art Therapy: Artistic Engagement of Immigrant Children With Acculturation Gaps

This qualitative study explored flow experiences in art therapy with three children from families that had immigrated to the United States from South Korea and were facing acculturation gaps. The children's flow experiences were examined through multiple data sources including videotaped art therapy sessions, children's post-session interviews, the children's art, parent interviews, and response art. Themes that emerged were related to acculturation challenges (role reversal, locked out of opportunities, and communication challenges in parent–child relationships), and to flow experiences (access to diverse art media, self-initiation, and self-correction). The therapeutic implications of these flow indicators are discussed as useful for children coping with acculturation challenges.