인간은 출생 직후부터 대단히 사회적인데 정상사회적 발달은 돌봐주는 사람과의 직접적, 신체적 접촉에서부터 시작된다(Ainswarth 등. 1974). 어머니 또는 가장 가깝게 돌보아주는 사람이 아기를 먹여 주고, 안아주고, 만져주고, 입맞춰주고, 놀아주고 말을 걸어준다. 어머니는 이러한 과정을 통해 정서적 만족을 느끼고 아기와의 정서적 유대를 발달시킨다. 따라서 초기 사회적 발달은 개인의 적응 상태뿐만이 아니라 돌봐주는 사람, 즉 어머니와의 관계와 깊이 연관되어 있는 특징을 갖는데 이모아 상호작용 속에서 맺어지는 정서적 유 대가 애착이다. 다시 말하면, 애착은 생후 24개월 이전에 형성된 다고 보며 이때 애착의 대상은 주 양육자인 어머니이다(강위영 등. 1998). 일부 의사와 심리학자들은 어머니와 신생아의 접촉 이 빠를수록 어머니와 유아 사이의 애착이 강해지고 또 앞으로 최적의 심리적 발달을 시킬 가능성이 더 많다고 주장한다(Klaus. 1976).
A case study was conducted to examine positive effects of art therapy program on the maladaptive behaviors and interpersonal relationships of a child with RAD(Reactive Attachment Disorder). Data were collected at Taejeon Research Institute of Developmental disorder, from May 24 to September 30. The subject was a 5 year old boy who showed developmentally inadequate social relationships and apparent disorder in most situations. A total of 16 sessions of the art therapy program was implemented for a subject and each session lasted approximately 50 minutes. The findings of the study were as follows: First, the frequency of maladaptive behaviors of the child gradually decreased through the art therapy program, In the beginning of the program, he had difficulties in remaining the seat during the whole session, and was obsessively afraid of the dirtiness with showing inattention in doing art work. But as the program went by. he became voluntarily more attentive without therapist’s directive strong restraint and his obsession on cleanliness was also improved. Second. the subject also showed changes in the aspect of interpersonal relationship. At the beginning of this program. he avoided physical or eye contacts. But as the program progresses. he was able to do physical contacts such as hand shaking or hug with therapist In conclusion. the findings of the case study revealed the potential effects of art therapy programs on improving maladaptive behaviors and interpersonal relationships in children with RAD. There is a need for developing more active and various art therapy programs to meet children's psychological need.