PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, DEVELOPED ON THE BASIS OF THE USE OF ART THERAPEUTIC METHODS, IN THE PROCESS OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

Abstract

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the problem of developing emotional intelligence of future primary school teachers and presents the results of an experimental test of the psychological effectiveness of the emotional intelligence development program, developed on the basis of the use of art therapeutic methods in the process of professional training. The relevance of the study is due to the increasing requirements for the personal and professional readiness of a modern teacher, the need to form his emotional stability, ability to self-regulation, empathetic interaction and the creation of a psychologically safe educational environment in the conditions of modern social challenges. The article clarifies the psychological content of the concept of «emotional intelligence», reveals its structural components and justifies the feasibility of using art therapy methods as an effective means of developing emotional self-awareness, emotional self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills of future primary school teachers.

The paper presents the results of an experimental study conducted on the basis of the Municipal Institution of the Kyiv Regional Council «Bila Tserkva Humanitarian and Pedagogical Vocational College» among students of the specialty «Primary Education». At the ascertaining stage of the study, 210 students participated, from among whom an experimental group was formed to implement the program of the psychological circle «Emotional Intelligence». The program included a system of training sessions using isotherapy, music therapy, fairy tale therapy, mandala therapy, collage, exercises with metaphorical associative cards, creative and projective techniques aimed at developing the main components of emotional intelligence. During the classes, participants learned to recognize and be aware of their own emotions, constructively regulate emotional states, develop empathy, improve communication, reflection, and professional interaction skills. Practical support for the program was provided by author's worksheets, which contributed to the systematization of the experience gained, the development of reflection, and the consolidation of the formed skills.

Analysis of the results of the experimental study confirmed the psychological effectiveness of the implemented program. After its implementation, the proportion of participants with a high level of emotional intelligence increased, and the indicators of emotional self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and internal motivation improved. The results of psychological and pedagogical observation showed an increase in the level of reflexivity, emotional stability, communicative culture, and readiness of future teachers for constructive interaction with participants in the educational process. It has been proven that the complex use of art therapy methods is an effective means of developing the emotional intelligence of future primary school teachers and can be recommended for implementation in the system of their professional training. Based on the results of the study, a methodological manual «Development of emotional intelligence through art therapy» was developed, which can be used in the activities of psychological services and educational institutions.