Using art tools with older Syrian refugee women to explore activated development

The case study this field report is based on used creative art activities and a systematic approach through the framework of the complex circle. Its aim was to aid Syrian refugee women between the ages of 55–65 to explore changes in their roles and their adversity-activated development after fleeing Syria due to the current conflict. Five psychosocial sessions were conducted, twice a week, with a group of three Syrian refugee women living in Kilis, Turkey.

A simplified version of the qualitative ‘adversity-activated development’ grid was used as a pre- and post-intervention assessment and results were analysed qualitatively. Findings showed that at the end of sessions women were expressing more positive feelings and realising positive role changes as well as continued sadness in terms of the separation of their families.