Fletcher, TinaLawrence, Shelby S.2019-04-012019-04-012017-10-13This is the abstract for an article that is available at https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2017.1355290. Recommended citation: Fletcher, T. S., & Lawrence, S. S. (2017). Art making and Identity Formation in children and adolescents with differing social behaviors. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 13(2), 185–205. This item has been deposited in accordance with publisher copyright and licensing terms and with the author’s permission.https://hdl.handle.net/11274/11144https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2017.1355290Not everyone develops social behaviors and interaction skills in an expected manner. This study explored the relationship between art making and identity formation in children and adolescents who were identified as having differing social behaviors. In three small group settings, 17 participants created abstract self-portraits from modeling compound and responded to questions about their self, self-concept, and self-esteem. From this, a model was created to describe identity formation as it relates to the relationships between social environment, desired occupations and activities, and creativity. Practice guidelines are proposed for those who provide children and adolescents with opportunities to make art as part of sessions aimed to promote the development of a healthy self-concept.en-USAdolescentsArtChildrenCreativity in counselingIdentity formationOccupational therapySocial behaviorAbstract