{Reference Type}: Clinical Trial
{Title}: Mural art therapy for young offenders hospitalised with a mental illness.
{Author}: George O;Kasinathan J;
{Journal}: Australas Psychiatry
{Volume}: 23
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: Feb 2015
{Factor}: 1.837
{DOI}: 10.1177/1039856214563852
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To describe a mural art therapy project completed within an adolescent unit of a secure forensic psychiatric hospital.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The planning, implementation and consecutive stages of the mural art therapy project are described. Pertinent themes are identified.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A cohort of adolescent forensic inpatients was engaged in a group therapeutic process involving collaboration, design and the completion of an art mural. The participants generally approved of the project and identified themes of gaining a sense of achievement, empowerment, teamwork, involvement and ownership. The art mural transformed and improved the visual and spatial environment of the Adolescent unit courtyard.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Mural art therapy was acceptable to young offenders hospitalised with mental illness, which has relevance for adolescent psychiatric units and youth detention centres.