Art experience and hospitalized children.

This paper explores the utility of the art experience in helping children cope with the stressful situation of hospitalization. A brief historical overview of the developments in this field is presented. In the art experience, similar aspects of the activity of play are expanded. They are: (a) the use of metaphorical thinking, (b) the use of concrete, sensuous materials, and (c) the use of physical activity. These are described and the creative process is suggested as an alternative mode of thought. The possibilities of using the art experience with children under stress are presented, as well as the description of the benefits of the art object to both staff and child. The benefits of the art experience as a safe place for expression of unacceptable feelings and fantasies and for the facilitation of communication between child and staff are also suggested.