Art Therapy Commons^™

Examining Attachment Styles In Adult Adoptees Using The Bird’S Nest Drawing, Kim Clemens

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine adult attachment styles seen in the Bird’s Nest Drawings of adopted adults, compared to those seen in non-adopted adults. A sample of 17 participants (16 non-adopted adults and 1 adopted adult) in the age range of 21-57 completed a Bird’s Nest Drawing (BND), Bird’s Nest Drawing Story, Adult Attachment Scale Questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire.

The BND was devised by Donna Kaiser to assess secure and insecure attachment as seen through graphic indicators in a projective drawing test. Kaiser’s February 2012 updated BND checklist is comprised of 14 hypothesized graphic indicator items, …

What Is The Effect Of Mandala Drawing Versus Art Card Sorting On Mood, Stress, And Anxiety In Individuals With Mood And Anxiety Disorders?, Sara K.M. Young

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The effect of mandala drawing versus art card sorting on mood, stress, and anxiety on a clinical population of adults with a history or diagnosis of DSM-­‐IV-­‐TR mood and/or anxiety disorders is investigated through a randomized study utilizing experiment and control groups, and a single subject case study. Standardized measurements used to collect data were the profile of mood states, the state-­‐trait anxiety inventory, and the Beck depression inventory-­‐II. Statistical significance could not be tested due to a lack of control subjects. Mean and standard deviation are reported and show a decrease in the mean post experiment. The single subject …

A Comparative Analysis Of Stress And Anxiety Reduction Between Working With Clay And Mandala Design Coloring, Sara Julsrud

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

One aim of this study was to help scientifically quantify many art therapists’ belief that artmaking is intrinsically healing. This study explored the effects of mindful art therapy processes (guided clay work meditation and mandala coloring) on stress and anxiety through measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Data were collected from 20 undergraduate students from Virginia Wesleyan College and Old Dominion University, both of Norfolk, VA. Ages of subjects ranged from 18 to 40 years old. Through use of repeated measures analysis, the posttest measurements from each subject were compared to their …

A Proposed Art Therapy Group For Survivors Of Suicide Based Upon The Results Of A Survivor Of Suicide’S Self-Study, Crystal Menicola

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

A survivor of suicide’s self-exploration process was explored to investigate the efficacy and applicability of specific therapeutic art and writing tasks proposed in the original methodology for the study of an art therapy group with survivors of suicide. Based on personal reflections throughout the self-exploration process, the researcher improved the original study design by modifying the sequence of tasks and adding supplemental art and writing exercises to sessions in consideration of evocative material that had the potential to elicit a severe trauma response due to recalling traumatic memories. Two standardized measures, the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version, and the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40, …

Exploring Hope And Quality Of Life: A Proposal For A Group Art Therapy Hope Intervention For Individuals Diagnosed With Lupus, Paige Scheinberg

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

As a result of the importance of hope and quality of life in disease management for individuals who have been diagnosed with lupus, there is support in the literature for the need for an effective intervention that targets these constructs with this population. The efficacy of art therapy in meeting the physical, mental, and emotional needs of diverse populations is also supported in existing research, making this an ideal form of treatment for lupus patients. In an effort to fill a gap in the literature on the relationship(s) between lupus, hope, and art therapy, this study was created. The original …

Burnout, Vicarious Traumatization, And Compassion Fatigue Within The Field Of Art Therapy, Megan Parrish

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization are negative experiences that can pose problems for many health professionals, especially mental health professionals. This study is a preliminary study aimed at identifying the prevalence of these experiences within the field of art therapy. A mixed methods research design consisting of pre-existing measurements and qualitative questions were implemented into an online survey and dispersed through various online media. There were 88 participants who completed the survey. Responses were analyzed with results indicating that there was a presence of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization within the field. Another aspect of the study was …

A Comparison Of Kinetic Family Drawings By Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Typically Developing Siblings, Rachel Daniels

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on the diagnosed child’s perception of their family. Specifically, the study compared the Kinetic Family Drawings (Burns & Kaufman, 1970) created by children diagnosed with Autism and those created by typically developing children.

Eight participants between the ages of 6 and 12 were recruited, and split into two groups. One group consisted of four children (three boys and one girl) with a mean age of 6.75 and an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis. The second group consisted of four typically developing children (three girls and one …

A Study Of Art Therapy-Based Approaches To Communication Between Physicians And Pediatric Patients, Carrie Carowan

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Miscommunication between physicians and child patients about perceived pain results in problems with diagnosis and treatment of childhood illness. This study used an art therapy-based approach to explore physician perceptions and understanding of child patients’ pain as compared to the pediatric patients’ perceptions of their own pain. Body Outline Forms (BOFs) and Magnified Pain Drawings (MPDs) (Barton, 1995) were completed by participants, and compared using a qualitative content analysis. Visual results reflected a difference in perception of pain by the physician and child participants in areas of color, size, shape, location, and movement. Verbal results collected from the physician participant …

Art Therapy And Quality Of Life In Older Adults: A Case Study, Ashton Sullivan

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This case report describes my exploration of quality of life by implementing art therapy techniques for life review with an elderly individual. The participant was a 72 year old Caucasian female who, at the time of this investigation, resided in a long term care facility. Together, the participant and I created an altered book incorporating phototherapy techniques in order to enhance the life review process. After seven sessions of art making, the participant answered questions in a semi-structured interview in which I asked about her experience in art therapy and about her quality of life. The results of the interview …

Art Therapy Assessment Of Adult Incarcerated Offenders: A Research Proposal For The Assessment Of Locus Of Control, Alecia Perreault

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

There is a lack of research that combines both art therapy assessment and prison inmates as it relates to locus of control. This is a research proposal that attempts to highlight the need for research with art therapy assessments among the offender population. More specifically, it attempts to correlate art therapy assessments with the assessment of specific traits, like locus of control, as they are typically found in offenders. This thesis reviews literature that is related to the field of art therapy assessment, projective drawing assessment, and the offender population, as well as discusses implications for further study.

A Phenomenological Observation Of The Reductive Printmaking Experience: Implications For Art Therapy, Nicholas Alexander

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study examined the phenomenological experience of four students in higher education relating to the involvement in a single reductive relief printmaking session. The indirect process of reductive relief printmaking is set apart from other methods due to the multiple steps and the use of various tools during the experience. It offers a reflective distance from the process, which allows the participant time to consider the meaning of an experience as it occurs. The production of multiple images during the process likewise lessens a participant’s resistance. The printed images are composed of layers; a metaphor for life’s process. Prior …

The Use Of Art Therapy To Examine Self-Concept With A Breast Cancer Survivor, Melanie Gaskin

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Negative self-concept is one of the psychological effects for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Treatment modalities for improving self-concept and other psychological effects of breast cancer have focused on using psycho-educational and support groups. Art therapy may be an alternate treatment modality for examining and improving self-concept. This qualitative case report utilized an eight-week art therapy intervention, using Cognitive-Behavioral and Phenomenological art therapy approaches to improve the self-concept of a female breast cancer survivor. Results yielded overlapping themes from the content analysis of images produced and written data. The four themes that emerged were spirituality, social support, positivity, and creating …

Exploring The Sibling Relationship Through Art Therapy: A Case Study, Laura Michalski

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The sibling relationship is said to be the longest relationship most individuals will share; therefore, it is surprising to see that most sibling research has been conducted within the confines of family studies with few studies focusing solely on the children’s bond with each another. Because the majority of the United States’ population has at least one sibling, this is a topic that calls for further research. Studies have shown that the quality of a relationship between siblings has the ability to influence individual growth, the sibling bond, social skills, self-esteem, depression, and aggression. However, when observing or conducting interventions …

Art Therapy In A Bereavement Camp Setting To Aid In Emotional Expression And Processing Of Loss, Rebecca Snyder

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the effects of art therapy on children ages six to eight who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Children experience death in ways that are different from adults due to their level of development. Research indicates that children benefit from creative approaches to processing the death of a loved one as they can rely on symbolic language rather than the use of words. Within this study, art therapy sessions were implemented at a weekend long bereavement camp in order to increase knowledge about the effects of art …

A Study Of The Use Of Art Therapy In Exploring Relationships Between Medical Students And Their Patients, Ursula M. Spont

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Communication difficulty between patients and medical professionals is an ongoing concern. A significant amount of research emphasizes the importance of medical students' involvement in the arts and humanities, as a way to come to terms with themselves and to better empathize with their patients. The facets of art therapy suggest that it may be helpful in addressing relationships between medical students and their patients. This pilot study aimed to gain understanding about medical student-patient communication and relationships through individually guided art therapy experientials. Third and fourth year students from one medical school were recruited. A modified open studio approach was …

A Comparative Analysis Of Published Addiction Art And Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game Addiction Art, Ariel Christine Furler

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Excessive use of online gaming through use of Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) has become an increasingly pertinent issue as the genre continues to gain international popularity. This genre has been noted for eliciting addictive behavior in which players have an increased likelihood of partaking in game-related activities and neglecting other areas of life that may involve work, school, social activities, or other interests.

Methods to gain direct information of the experiences of people who feel addicted and compelled to play video games has typically been done through surveys and questionnaires over the past decade. This study entailed …

The Effects Of An Intensive Immersion In Doll-Making And Book Arts, Accompanied By Reflective Journaling, On The Personal Growth And Identity Development Of An Art Therapist, Ashley Buchanan

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This self-study uses a heuristic approach to look at what effects an intense immersion in doll-making, book arts, and reflective journaling has on an art therapy intern/student’s personal growth and identity development. Eight weeks of data collection took place followed by multiple individual content analyses to discover themes from the journals and art-making. The technique of stepping away from the analysis intermittently to provide more objectivity was also used to decrease biases. After comparing themes, universal themes were identified and their significance explored. Within these identified themes, it was acknowledged that the use of dolls and books as a media …

A Proposal For An Art Therapy Intervention To Support A Child Whose Parent Has Been Diagnosed With Cancer, Jenna Nicole Kelley

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Parental cancer can put strain on children’s ability to cope with stress and can impact their future development. Children may experience high levels of stress and depression when faced with life changes such as parental cancer. There is limited research on how children cope with parental cancer. Art therapy can help promote communication and expression of feelings and serve as an educational approach to help children cope with parental cancer. The objective of this thesis was to design an art therapy intervention for a child who is experiencing parental cancer. This art therapy intervention has been designed to alleviate the …

A Proposal For An Exploratory Study Of An Art Therapy Group Focused On Body Image With Breast Cancer Survivors, Ricky Jones

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to develop a proposal to understand how a group of breast cancer survivors would respond to a group art therapy experience that focuses on making art about their bodies, and to examine what themes would emerge in the artwork and journals of participants during the course of the study. The proposed study is qualitative and would run for six consecutive weeks. The study is designed to recruit six to eight women who will be recruited through flyers and within the Sentara Hospital network.

A Comparison Of Human Figures Drawn By Cochlear Implant Recipients And Children With Hearing, Molly Frances Pettit

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the Human Figure Drawings of children with cochlear implants (CIs) and children with normal hearing. Early implantation and the continuing advancement of hearing technologies indicate that, increasingly, children with CIs are developing at a rate equal to their hearing peers. Understanding the cognitive, emotional, and social implications development with the CI has through the use of Human Figure Drawings can lend support to the growing literature in favor of early implantation. This study considered multiple dimensions of living with a cochlear implant and evaluated how children represent their understanding of this life …

Culture’S Impact On Drawing Styles: A Comparison Of Indian, Indian-American, And American Children’S Human Figure Drawings, Ashy Palliparambil

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if and how culture influences children’s drawing styles. In particular, the study compared the human figure drawings of Indian, Indian-American, and American children using a modified form of the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS) (Gantt & Tabone, 1998).

Twenty-five second graders (aged 7 and 8 years) and twenty-five fourth graders (aged 10 and 11 years) participated from the school in India. Of the 25 second graders who participated, 13 were male and 12 were female. The mean age was 7.2 years. Of the 25 fourth graders who participated, 14 were male …

Examining The Association Between Attachment And Relationship Satisfaction Through The Use Of The Couples Drawing And The Bird’S Nest Drawing, Jessica Furiness

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine if there is a positive statistical correlation between relationship satisfaction and attachment and whether or not these two factors can be accurately assessed through a single drawing. The proposed study will use a quantitative approach to examine the association between attachment and relationship satisfaction, as determined by scores on the Adult Attachment Scale and the Relationship Assessment Scale. A qualitative approach will be used to examine graphic elements within the Bird’s Nest Drawing, and the Couples Drawing to determine which elements are associated with relationship satisfaction, attachment, or both. A sample size …

Reflections During Internships Through Visual Journaling With Mandalas: A Self-Study, Meghan Leisl Bernier

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This self-study is based on my reflections through my internship process through visual journaling with mandalas. The efficacy of limiting visual journal entries to mandalas was discussed as was the usefulness of how a mandala is created from the center outwards. A review of the literature discusses the struggles of interns and the developmental phases of the novice counselor. Research on the use of journals and visual journal for the intent of facilitating reflection, stress reduction, and organization of overwhelming feelings was also reviewed. The results showed that across two semesters of internship, I showed an increase in stress reduction, …

The Efficacy Of Art Therapy In Increasing Coping Skills And Decreasing Loneliness In Children Of Individuals Who Are Substance Addicted, Stefanie Scannell

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to utilize art therapy as a means of increasing coping skills and decreasing feelings of loneliness in children whose parents are substance addicted. The subjects consisted of two African American males, ages five and six, both of whom have parents with a history of substance abuse. The Person-in-the-Rain Drawing technique was utilized to measure coping skills before and after the art therapy intervention took place. The Children’s Loneliness Questionnaire was utilized to measure the children’s feelings of loneliness both before and after the intervention as well. It was hypothesized that after six sessions …

Case Studies In Working With Loving-Kindness Meditation And Art Therapy For Those Suffering From Chronic Pain, Jessica N. Ropars

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This study combined the use of Loving-Kindness meditation with art therapy for three women suffering from different types of chronic pain. These women ranged in age from 26 to 62 years and were from a variety of backgrounds; two of the women were Caucasian and one woman was originally from Barbados. The participants were recruited from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Four sessions were scheduled. During each session there was time for Loving-Kindness meditation followed by an art therapy intervention. The West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory was used to measure pain. In order …

A Mixed Methods Study Examining The Efficacy Of Art Media On Stress Reduction, Lilani Pecht

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

When considering today’s academic standards, most know that medical students and residents stand in a distinguished class of disciplines undertaking one of the most stressful scholastic paths. Because this notion is becoming more recognizable with the help of research and published studies, some universities have begun implementing electives focused on the health and well being of their students. Such electives have included a variety of stress relieving activities and interventions, including the use of art therapy. While the literature does indicate an effective use of art therapy and art media to alleviate stress, it does not include a study that …

Exploring The Use Of Visual Journaling During Art Therapy Internships: A Self Study, Mary Madison Lovett

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Reflective processes and journaling have been given great attention in the literature as effective tools for the enrichment of learning and professional growth (Boud, 2001). Self reflection in response to clinical experiences can help students can gain a deep level of meaning and insight. Visual journaling is one method of self reflection about which there is little scholarly literature. The process of visual journaling integrates self reflection and exploration through creative imagery and written reflection.

I conducted a qualitative self study which was an exploration of visual journaling as I experienced two semesters of clinical internships. During the study I …

A Cross-Cultural Study Of Korean And American Children’S Human Figure Drawings, Suhyun Tess Lee

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Children’s human figure drawings (HFDs), known as one of the most widely used drawing assessment techniques, reflect various aspects of understanding children and some studies indicate that children’s HFDs are affected by cultural and environmental factors. Yet, the data collected are out of date or the studies predominantly included children from Western cultures. The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural impact on children’s HFDs from a non-western culture to promote a cross-cultural perspective in the field of art therapy.

In this quantitative study, 23 HFDs were collected in an elementary school setting in South Korea. Drawings were …

A Study Of Life Experiences Influencing Art Therapy As A Career Choice, Raleigh Ann Spires King

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Many factors contribute to one’s decision when choosing a career. Literature has stated that personal traits and demographics, chance encounters with influential people, and significant life events play important roles in the choice to enter a career in the helping professions. This study creates a descriptive summary of the life experiences that motivate an individual to choose art therapy as a career.

Using face-to-face interviews, the researcher gathered information regarding career choice from six art therapists each of whom had five or more years of experience. Although the art therapists disclosed personal experiences, unique to their lives, similar topics emerged …

An Art-Based Psychoeducational Group For Pregnant Teenagers, Lauren Burinsky

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This thesis began as an art-based psychoeducational group for pregnant teenagers, and two out of ten sessions were completed. However, due to several limitations, the study had to be turned into a proposal for the group. The goal of the proposed group is to increase pregnant teenagers’ preparedness (as measured by both knowledge base and competence) for the rest of their pregnancy and for motherhood. Over the course of five weeks, six girls would participate in ten sessions. This group will be hosted at Healthy Families in Hampton, Virginia, and the participants will be members there. The first part of …