PERAN TERAPI SENI MELUKIS DALAM MENGELOLA KESEIMBANGAN EMOSI SISWA SMKN SUGIHWARAS

This study aims to analyze the process and effectiveness of painting art therapy in helping students manage their emotional balance. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving eleventh-grade students at SMK Negeri Sugihwaras. Thematic analysis was applied to identify emotional patterns experienced by the students during their participation in painting therapy sessions. The findings revealed that painting art therapy had a significant positive impact on students’ emotional balance, including reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing self-expression, boosting self-confidence, and improving social skills and academic focus. The painting activity helped students express emotions that were difficult to verbalize and created a reflective space to better understand their feelings. The conclusion of this research is that painting art therapy is proven to be an effective and enjoyable approach in supporting the psychological and emotional well-being of vocational high school students. This study recommends integrating art therapy into school mental health support programs.