Emirati Journal of Applied Psychology

Browse Journals

Articles

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Emirati Journal of Applied Psychology

Silent Symbols, Spoken Stories: Thematic Insights from an Art Therapy Program with Migrant Construction Workers

  • Mariam El Halawani
Submitted
December 25, 2025
Published
2026-01-29

Abstract

Migrant workers often endure complex psychological stressors stemming from relocation, cultural disruption, limited legal protections, and exploitative working conditions. This qualitative case study explores the inner emotional landscapes of 25 migrant construction workers through a short-term art therapy program. Participants engaged in structured and open studio sessions, producing a wide range of artworks. Primary data sources included the visual content of the artworks and participants’ accompanying verbal reflections. Thematic analysis revealed recurring themes of vulnerability, loss of home, identity and culture, fragile sense of self, family, faith and others. These emerging themes offer insight into the psychological realities of migrant workers and underscore the importance of accessible, culturally sensitive mental health interventions. Art therapy served as a non-verbal, symbolic means through which participants could externalize internal conflicts, establish emotional distance, and reflect on personal meaning. The findings highlight the need for broader psychosocial support systems for migrant populations, particularly those living in restrictive or high-stress environments.

References

  1. American Art Therapy Association. (2022). About art therapy. https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/
  2. Cook, J., Arrow, H., & Malle, B. F. (2011). The role of power in social influence processes. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5(3), 178–190.
  3. Crabtree, J. W., Haslam, S. A., Postmes, T., & Haslam, C. (2010). Mental health support groups, stigma, and self‐esteem: Positive and negative implications of group identification. Journal of Social Issues, 66(3), 553–569.
  4. Dokter, D. (1998). Arts therapies and clients with a refugee or asylum-seeking background: 'We are all in the same boat'. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  5. Grossman, F. K., Kia-Keating, M., & Sorsoli, L. (2006). Support after sexual assault: How friends and family help survivors heal. National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women.
  6. Guasto, M. (2014). The trauma of betrayal: Understanding the impact of betrayal trauma on the adult survivor. Journal of Psychological Trauma, 12(2), 43–49.
  7. Heckwolf, J., Bergland, M. C., & Mouratidis, M. (2014). Revealing the unconscious through art therapy: A theoretical and qualitative approach to understanding the impact of art therapy on client experience in a therapeutic setting. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 41(3), 329–339.
  8. Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery. Basic Books.
  9. Hertz, P. (2011). Ego strength and self-capacity: Self psychology and trauma. Psychoanalytic Social Work, 18(3), 331–346.
  10. Horsham, S., & Chung, M. C. (2013). Self-capacity and affect regulation in relation to trauma and PTSD. International Journal of Psychology and Counselling, 5(11), 278–289.
  11. Human Rights Watch. (2015a). ‘I already bought you’: Abuse and exploitation of female migrant domestic workers in the United Arab Emirates. https://www.hrw.org/report/2014/10/22/i-already-bought-you/abuse-and-exploitation-female-migrant-domestic-workers-united
  12. Human Rights Watch. (2015b). Building towers, cheating workers: Exploitation of migrant construction workers in the United Arab Emirates. https://www.hrw.org/report/2015/06/10/building-towers-cheating-workers/exploitation-migrant-construction-workers-united
  13. Huss, E., Nuttman-Shwartz, O., & Altman, A. (2012). The use of art as a tool for resilience in refugees and displaced persons: Insights from research and practice. In L. A. Gerber & D. Kalmanowitz (Eds.), Art therapy in Asia: To the bone or wrapped in silk (pp. 39–50). Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  14. Kalmanowitz, D., & Ho, R. T. H. (2016). Out of our mind. In Art therapy in Asia (pp. 55–74). Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  15. Kathiravelu, L. (2016). Migrant Dubai: Low wage workers and the construction of a global city. Palgrave Macmillan.
  16. Lazarus, R. S. (1993). From psychological stress to the emotions: A history of changing outlooks. Annual Review of Psychology, 44(1), 1–21.
  17. McNaughton, C. (2008). Transitions through homelessness: Lives on the edge. Palgrave Macmillan.
  18. Naumburg, M. (1966). Dynamically oriented art therapy: Its principles and practices. Grune & Stratton.
  19. Punamaki, R. L., Qouta, S., & El-Sarraj, E. (2001). Resiliency factors predicting psychological adjustment after political violence among Palestinian children. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 25(3), 256–267.
  20. Rankanen, M. (2014). Witnessing moments of healing in art therapy with traumatized clients. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 41(2), 125–133.
  21. Robbins, A. (1987). The artist as therapist. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 14(1), 51–62.
  22. Robbins, A. (2001). The integrative art therapy model: A synthesis of the dynamic and behavioral approaches. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 28(1), 55–61.
  23. Seguin, M., Robertson, M. J., & Luthra, R. (2016). Migrant health and social well-being: A literature review. Migration Studies, 4(3), 423–444.
  24. Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
  25. Winnicott, D. W. (1960). The theory of the parent-infant relationship. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 41, 585–595.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 > >>