Children from two comparison populations, USA & Kenya, participated in the study (n = 48). Children were recruited from a clinic setting that cares for children with chronic illness and an orphanage that cares for HIV+ children. Collaboration between institutions in the two countries was initiated and the study was IRB approved in both settings. Self-Concept was measured using a modified Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.68). Emotional indicators were measured from Human Figure Drawings (HFD) by Koppitz recommended for use in screening for children at-risk (Tielsch & Allen, 2005) and drawings were evaluated in consultation with a certified art therapist. Ninety-four percent of children had average or above average self-concept scores. One-third of children in the USA and one-half in Kenya demonstrated significant emotional indicators.

The significance of art as a way of assessing emotional health in children from varied cultures was evident. Human Figure Drawings were found to be feasible and an easily accessible way to perform a psychosocial assessment and screening for referral for further assessment and/or counseling. Human figure drawings are of great importance in cross-cultural settings due to universality of expression of emotions. Future studies are needed to determine if art therapy could be used as a regular means of encouraging expressiveness and self-concept development, especially in at-risk children.