As children develop, they go through a variety of changes physically, socially, and intellectually that are reflected in their art (Lowenfeld & Brittain, 1987). This paper discusses the work of developmental theorist, Viktor Lowenfeld, who created art-based developmental milestones that occur at certain ages in typically developing children. Many factors are affected by creative development such as cognitive abilities, personality, morals, and emotional regulation. Trauma that occurs during childhood effects a child's creative development in a negative manner. Trauma includes any event that leaves individuals who are faced with danger feeling helpless or powerless and incites feelings of anxiety (Stronach-Buschel,1990). Trauma can be caused by war, abuse, neglect, and violence (Miller, 2007). It is possible for the effects of traumatic situations to disrupt the brain's ability to perform a variety of developmental functions, leaving a traumatized child with neurological and psychosocial deficits that are visible in their creative output.
In order to show the many different ways varying types of trauma manifest themselves, this paper uses …show more content…
He published a book which included his theories about art development and how to work with children in the arts in 1947 which was widely circulated in the field of art education (Alter-Muri, 2002). His viewpoint contrasted with the strict Germanic educational system that was common during the mid 1900s (Alter-Muri, 2002). Lowenfeld was inspired by Expressionism, motivational techniques, and intuition (Alter-Muri, 2002). His developmental theories, although anecdotal and based in a western perspective, provide art therapists and art educators with a framework of developmental stages that children who are developing in an average manner should reach by a corresponding age (Alter-Muri,
In order to show the many different ways varying types of trauma manifest themselves, this paper uses …show more content…
He published a book which included his theories about art development and how to work with children in the arts in 1947 which was widely circulated in the field of art education (Alter-Muri, 2002). His viewpoint contrasted with the strict Germanic educational system that was common during the mid 1900s (Alter-Muri, 2002). Lowenfeld was inspired by Expressionism, motivational techniques, and intuition (Alter-Muri, 2002). His developmental theories, although anecdotal and based in a western perspective, provide art therapists and art educators with a framework of developmental stages that children who are developing in an average manner should reach by a corresponding age (Alter-Muri,