Ethics of disclosure the child's way: Assent granting to the use of art in mental health interventions

Abstract

This grounded theory study describes practitioner decision-making processes regarding best interest determinations for granting children the power of assent to art interventions and the procedures used to initiate participation. Assent refers to the agreement of a minor to participate in activities, while recognizing the developmental limitations of children to render a fully reasoned decision. Twelve practitioners who use art in their clinical work with children participated in direct interviews. The narrative data collected was conceptualized, categorized, and coded using a Paradigm Model. Results link the present study to Awareness Context Theory, suggesting that best interest determinations are guided by concerns not to disrupt the existing level of child's awareness to intervention and to the practitioner's role.