Date of Award

Spring 5-16-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Wendy Allen PhD, LPC, BC-DMT

Abstract

This narrative literature review examines arts-based approaches to violence prevention and trauma-related support among school-aged children and adolescents in school and community settings. Violence is conceptualized as both interpersonal and structural, encompassing physical, emotional, relational, and systemic harms that arise through unequal access to safety, opportunity, and resources. The review then explores how these conditions increase vulnerability to trauma exposure, particularly among youth in marginalized and underserved communities, and considers the psychological impacts of violence on youth development. Centering the resilience of children and adolescents through relational strengths, adaptive coping strategies, and creative capacities, this review then examines the benefits of arts-based interventions for emotional regulation, identity development, and meaning-making. This review synthesizes empirical and practice-based studies identified through screening of titles and abstracts across therapeutic and community contexts. Findings highlight how arts-based interventions contribute to violence prevention, trauma-informed care, and positive youth development across settings. Overall, the literature suggests these approaches may strengthen resilience, support emotional and relational wellbeing, and enhance engagement within schools and communities. Arts-based, trauma-informed practices therefore show promise for interrupting cycles of violence and informing developmentally appropriate interventions for children and adolescents.

Keywords: community violence, violence prevention, youth programs, expressive therapies 

The author identifies as a biracial Indigenous cisgender female of Mi’gmaq and mixed European ancestry. 

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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THESIS APPROVAL FORM -ExAT-2.pages (670 kB)
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