Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Balletic Mind: Expressive Arts Therapy For Professional Ballet Dancers: A Literature Review And Autoethnography, Madison Borden

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the mental health needs of professional ballet dancers and suggests how expressive arts therapies can be used to address issues surrounding themes of body image, injury and pain, and identity. A review of the research on ballet culture examines both the advantages and disadvantages of ballet for a dancer's overall health. By acknowledging both the negative and positive qualities of ballet, counselors may develop a deeper awareness and empathy for a population that severely overworks their body and mind. An autoethnographic approach was used to allow for personal ballet practices to influence and stimulate academic inquiry while …

Ethnic Name-Changing Among Mandarin-Speaking Music Therapists In The United States And Its Influence On Their Identity: A Literature Review, Ying-Jung Chen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis uses available literature to explore the ethnic name-changing and its impact on the identity of Mandarin-speaking music therapists in the United States. Eight themes are explored in this literature review: (1) the distinction of Mandarin Chinese; (2) the relationship between names and selves; (3) Chinese naming practices; (4) the practice of name-changing among Mandarin speakers in the United States; (5) the reasons behind Mandarin speakers adopting English names; (6) cross-cultural adaptation; (7) cultural adaptation of foreign music therapists in the United States; and (8) the significance of music therapist's identity exploration. This literature review highlights the importance …

The Feminine Expansion Of Role Theory: A Community Workshop, Alexis Cisneros

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Traditional gender roles and dominant narratives in society impose different pressures on men and women. Women experience the societal pressure to excel in multiple roles simultaneously such as caregiver, breadwinner, partner, and community member all while meeting societal judgements and expectations regarding appearance, achievements, and behavior (Ilic, 2023). This thesis will focus on the development of a drama therapy community workshop for cisgender women to explore the roles they play in Western society. Because we are living in a patriarchal society where the understanding of human experience is mostly through a white, male, heterosexual, middle-class, and able-bodied lens my focus …

Identity, Intimacy And Power: From Self Consciousness To Self Trust: A Holistic Approach To Identity In Women To Support Authentic Expression, Aliveness, Freedom And Intimacy With Life During Times Of Change, Jennifer Shields

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This Dance/Movement Therapy Capstone Thesis is a literature review and heuristic exploration of women’s experience of the patriarchal effects on identity and intimacy. After establishing an understanding of power within the roots of patriarchy and its internalized effects on women’s relationship with their inner knowing this thesis aims to understand power in a new, counter cultural way that is tethered to a source within. Through the lens of Tantrik Hatha Yoga and Authentic Movement this thesis offers a counter cultural way to understand identity as layered, malleable and rooted in a relationship to awareness. This shift in relationship to identity …

Peering Through The Window: Engaging Older Adults In Different Art Media To Build Community And Find Identity Through Play And The Challenge Of Trying Something New, Kate Hunter

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Some older adults experience physical and cognitive changes that can lead to social isolation and can impact identity, health, and wellbeing. Research has shown that arts-based group psychosocial interventions have the potential to improve the quality of life for older adults along with fostering connections in community and building confidence and acceptance of self-identity. From this research, I developed a crafts-based intervention that focused on the interests and hobbies of the group members. The group was offered in an independent living facility with women over the age of 62 who were American and Asian-American. Over the course of the sessions, …

I Just Want To Be A Normal Teenager: A Literature Review Of Impacts Of Adolescent-Onset Chronic Illness On Identity Development And Proposed Benefits Of Drama Therapy, Margaret Young

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescence is a crucial moment in life for establishing our personal identity, internal values, and social autonomy (Christie & Viner, 2005); however, this already-tumultuous time can be further complicated by the addition of a chronic illness diagnosis which can lead to feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and an inconsistent sense of self (Chisholm, 2018; Wicks et al., 2019). This literature review investigates the current research regarding the impacts of chronic illness on identity development as well as the landscape of available expressive therapies interventions. Based on personal experience and available literature, I argue that drama therapy can provide much needed support …

The Development Of A Dance/Movement Therapy Method For Social Engagement With Adolescents In A Partial Hospital Program, Kayleah Pensalfini

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Mental health can significantly impede navigating the social domain during adolescence. Research has indicated social development of adolescents may be impacted by psychopathology and emotional development, further hindering one’s formation of self. There is also limited research showing the effectiveness of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) with the adolescent population. This writer designed and adapted one DMT session for adolescents to understand this topic better. This capstone will present an adaptable method utilizing a DMT intervention with participants between the ages of 13-17 in a Partial Hospital Program (PHP). This project aimed to examine how DMT can support self-identity and the acquisition …

Exploring The Motivations And Therapeutic Benefits Of Fandom And Fanart Online Communities: A Literature Review, Miriam Kilian

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Participation in Online Fandom culture has become a highly valued aspect of many individuals' self-expression and how they seek to build social connections with others. Furthermore, within the Fandom community, the phenomenon of creating and sharing fan-based work also plays a significant role in the interactions between group members. These factors are important to acknowledge in a therapeutic context as future practitioners can choose to utilize a client's pre-established fandom involvement to explore their identity and social connections with other fans. This thesis is a literature review that examines the academic journals and individual interviews of Fanart Creators. The topics …

The Battle For Control: Why Dance/Movement Therapy Should Be The Foremost Therapy For The Treatment Of Eating Disorders: A Literature Review, Melody Plastow

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review will provide an explanation of the complexities and symptoms surrounding eating disorders, including etiology, barriers and stigmatization, and current treatment provided. There is a focus on the three most common eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Dance/movement therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for this disorder, and this review demonstrates the main themes found in literature surrounding the psychological symptoms, including body image, control, and identity. This literature review outlines the need for DMT within this population, five DMT frameworks that are currently working with eating disorders, as well as why it …

Promoting Identity Development In Adolescent Adoptees: A Literature Review, Alyson Summer Del Castillo

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

This literature review examines the challenges facing adopted adolescents and their impact on identity development, as well as art therapy interventions used with this population. Adoptees make up very little of the population yet are seen in mental health settings at a disproportionate rate. Despite the obvious need, little adoption-competent help is available. Developing more adoption-competent services requires an understanding of the unique challenges facing adoptees, one of those being identity development. Adopted teens must integrate their full histories and current emotions to achieve successful identity development. By reviewing relevant literature and therapeutic approaches to identity and adoptees, it …

Expressing Emotional Catharsis And Professional Identity Formation Through The Medium Of Metal Music: Development Of A Heuristic-Informed Music Therapy Method, Steven Otto

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Metal music has been a taboo music genre for years, with some claiming that listening to the music can lead its listeners towards anti-social behavior, violence, and anger. However, more research has determined that metal music is beneficial for the mental health of its fans. Metal fans have used their favorite music to cope with their angry or sad emotions, gain a better understanding of their emotions, explore their personal identity, and find a community for support and advocacy. Although research has expanded on the mental health benefits of metal music, there has been little research on the music’s effectiveness …

Caring For Former Caretakers: Utilizing Collage To Explore Transition, Development Of A Method, Noelle Leblanc

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Older adulthood often comes with a variety of challenges both emotional and physical. The transition to an assisted living program can be challenging to cope with. Older adults may face isolation and loneliness, while grappling with changes in their identity as result of factors like decline in health, loss of an ability, or changes in social support. Arts based interventions were administered individually among a group of older adults to test if collage could be utilized to explore themes of role shift, transition and identity. Clinical observations along with post-session reflective artwork is included. Assisted living residents participated in a …

The Value Of Craft Art In Exploring Identity, A Critical Review Of The Literature, Brooke Sicco

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Craft has a diverse application history, from making bracelets at summer camp to making clothes for a family. This variety of uses offers a higher opportunity for exposure to this type of art-making. It is crucial to consider familiarity in art-making to implement effective treatment that recognizes client experience and meets them where they are. Expressive arts therapy does not often include craft art. It could be beneficial for the field of expressive therapies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of craft art, given craft art’s cultural and social prominence. This study explores the therapeutic value of craft art within exploring …

Drag As A Method Of Expressive Art Therapy For Lgbt+ Individuals, Nicole Soubosky

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The field of expressive art therapies utilize the process of creativity to promote therapeutic healing. The focus of this thesis is the mental health concerns that impact the LGBT+ community, and how the art of drag performance can be implemented as an arts-based treatment approach for this population. Traditional forms of mental health treatment reflect majority values that discount the experiences of queer individuals, despite the disproportionately high levels of mental health challenges faced by the LGBT+ population compared to those who identify as heteronormative. The research included in this thesis explores the mental health concerns prevalent within the LGBT+ …

Exploring Identity Development Through The Expressive Arts Among Immigrant Youth, A Literature Review, Jessika De Castro

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

According to the APA’s Presidential Task Force on Immigration (2012), the immigrant population within the US increases every year. Immigration to a new country increases risk factors for young immigrants, resulting in a negative impact on their mental health. It has been shown in the literature that arts-based approaches can be extremely helpful in the treatment of mental health issues brought on by the stressors of immigration and when people are dealing with a sense of loss towards their country of origin. For first generation immigrants, coming to the US during their adolescence, as young adults, means that they are …

The Use Of Role Theory And Method To Support Expanding College Athletes Role Repertoire: A Literature Review, Danielle Gervais

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

College student athletes tend to prioritize the role of athlete versus the role of student due to positive early life responses to their athletic pursuits (Menke & Germany, 2019). When the collegiate athlete then retires and/or graduates, they are at an increased likelihood of suffering negative psychological symptoms and/or an identity crisis now that the role of athlete is no longer relevant to their identity. Drama therapy’s role theory and method, an embodied form of therapy that focuses on identity formation and development in a less verbal and more expressive way, could potentially be used as a preventative treatment in …

In And Through The Body: The Benefits Of Dance/Movement Therapy On The Mental Health Of Lgbtqia+ Adults; A Literature Review, Maria Napoli

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The benefits of dance/movement therapy on the mental health of LGBTQIA+ adults is a topic that is widely underexplored. It is one that is of utmost importance due to the body-based nature of LGBTQIA+ experiences. This literature review will further elaborate on the complexities of LGBTQIA+ identities and the incredible impacts that dance/movement therapy has on a body-level. Throughout the research, it was discovered and emphasized that movement as a healing practice can bring a sense of comfort and allow for expression for those a part of this marginalized community. Diving deep into the understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community and …

Disrupting Self-Silencing In Cisgender Women Using Drama Therapy’S Role Theory And Role Method, Jennifer Ansted

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Self-silencing is the repression of one’s own emotions, restriction of self-expression, and showing concern for others over the self as a result of societal ideals and expectations imposed on a person because of gender. This thesis approaches self-silencing from a relational cultural perspective and uses attachment theory and Jack’s (1993) Silencing the Self Theory to understand why self-silencing occurs and its impact on cisgender women. Potential therapeutic interventions for women who self-silence are proposed using drama therapy’s role theory and role method. Furthermore, updates to the current role taxonomy to be more inclusive of roles relevant to women and self-silencing …

From Movement To Self: A Literature Review On The Potential Effect Of Dance Movement Therapy On The Understanding Of Self-Identity For People With Borderline Personality Disorder, Natalia Santiago

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review looks at whether Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) might be useful when treating identity disturbances within Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It begins by analyzing the role of identity within one’s life. Identifying how self-concept strongly impacts how one perceives and behaves within their surroundings. Identity disturbance is a characteristic of BPD that has been found to be pervasive. The lack of self-concept is also tied to the other symptoms of BPD, such as impulsivity, dysregulation, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Genetics, brain function, and complex childhood trauma are thought to impact the development of BPD. Persistent adverse experiences can …

Grandparent Caregiver Well-Being And Identity Development, Brittany Torelli

Counseling and Psychology Dissertations

This dissertation aims to understand the experience of grandparent caregivers in the United States, exploring well-being and identity development as grandparents navigate their roles, both familiar and different at the same time. The investigation of well-being and identity development as they intersect and interact is crucial to understanding the complex and multilayered shifts this population faces as they transition into different roles. Grandparent caregivers experience impacts to their emotional well-being, physical health and financial status while simultaneously experiencing an impact to their identity development, carrying with it unique challenges.

This narrative inquiry obtains rich narratives from 9 participants, recruited from …

Motherhood: The Role Of A Lifetime, Amy Larson Mcguirk

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

A mother is thought of only in relation to another person. When a woman becomes a mother, her identify changes. As early as pregnancy, a woman’s brain makes a massive shift in order to care for her child. She loses parts of herself, not only how she will identify, but biologically, she begins to lose some of the gray matter in her brain; all of this begins to be stripped away as the woman becomes the mother (Caruso, 2016). A mother has certain qualities which make her a mother; but aside from having a child, there are not very many …

Argo Ergo Sum - I Perform, Therefore I Am: An Art-Based Community Engagement Project, Emily Eckel

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This community engagement project set out to explore how the musicianship identity impacts a musician’s overall sense of self through participation in a mental health focused community orchestra. Currently, in the field of music therapy there is little emphasis on using orchestral music in active music making or connections between music and musicianship identity. This researcher combined the theories of community music therapy and resource-oriented music therapy to develop approaches to this investigation. Phase one consisted of researcher journaling and visual art making prior to and following orchestra rehearsals and one concert. Phase two consisted of a group mandala with …

Becoming: How Expressive Arts Nurture Self-Esteem, Identity And Empowerment, Development Of A Method, Nikah Chevalier-Amy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

A vigorous art-centered curriculum was created and implemented amongst elementary students in a community-based program. The curriculum primarily involved step-dance incorporating movement and music therapy, while also including visual arts, music and aspects of drama therapy. These interventions were included to measure and test if the use of the arts within a community could help improve the participants self-esteem, confidence, sense of identity and empowerment as aspects of their becoming. The participants consisted of six elementary students (four girls and two boys), who were referred by their mentors to receive additional support surrounding their social-emotional development, self-advocacy, timidity, and …

Holistic Music Therapy – Reconnecting Mind To Body Through Smart-Supplemented Music Therapy: Development Of A Method, Jacqueline San Nicolas

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone project explores the combination of Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) and therapeutic songwriting for the treatment of adolescents with complex developmental trauma in a therapeutic boarding school to strengthen attachment, regulation, and competency. As an inherently sensory experience, Music Therapy and SMART can work as a strengths-based approach that engages both body and brain to move clients through traumatic memories. As the literature states, since trauma effects the whole individual, it is crucial to engage both brain and body in trauma treatment to move through it, rather than only addressing mental aspects of trauma through strictly verbal …

Culture, Identity, And Critical Theory In Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review, Isaac Hunnewell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review was an initial inquiry looking at research in expressive arts therapy (EAT) to see how this field was understanding, conceptualizing, and using culture in their analysis and treatment of individual well-being. It delved into how the field constructed the relationship between individuals and their culture. The definition of culture, health, mental health, and the connection between them was examined. Research also included creative arts therapy (CAT) and its emerging interest in critical theory, why it was important, where it was being used, and how it contributed to an understanding of society as a source of individual pain, …

Art Therapy As A Tool For Enhancing Adolescent Identity Formation, Self-Knowing, And Empowerment., Victoria Force

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescence is a pivotally important developmental stage for individuals. During this time, adolescents begin the journey of discovering the many facets of their identities. This capstone thesis explores how the discipline of art therapy can aid adolescents in the formation of their understanding of specific parts of their identities. Workshops offered at a community mental health organization collected data via surveys, observable experiences, and art. These workshops offered clients a safe space to artistically express their identity. Results of the exercise provide indications that art therapy could be used as a positive aid in adolescent identity formation.

Exploring Intersections Of Queer Artist Identities Through Music: A Community Engagement Project, Derrick Lacasse

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Members of the LGBTQ+ or Queer community are likely to experience minority stress throughout their lives (Borgogna et al., 2018). This community engagement project explored the intersections of identity among artists in the queer community to better understand how art can be used to heal from minority stress. An all-queer space was created to allow members of the queer community to feel relief from minority stress and speak without feeling judged. Through art making, sharing, discussions, and singing together members of the queer community were able to build resilience and deepen hope. Findings for this project indexed queer artists’ use …

Social Identity And The Music Making Choices Of Black/African American Youth From Limited Resource Communities, Natasha A. Thomas

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This dissertation explores how Black/African American youth from limited resource communities described and demonstrated their social identities through their music-making choices in the therapeutic relationship with a board certified music therapist who was also a Black/African American person regarded as a participant in the study. A review of literature regarding social psychology and identity theory, as well as culturally relevant pedagogy and participatory action research (PAR), which form the foundation of this study’s methodology, is included. Findings include that participants placed a high degree of importance on their social status as authorities on their chosen identifying groups, and consistently reinforced …

Survey Of Research In Multiculturalism In Expressive Therapies, Christine Yerrakadu

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis literature review defines and explores the issues concerning multiculturalism in the field of expressive art therapies. Many authors have stated the need for multicultural education and self assessment of the clinician. Personal identification of the client should take precedence over generalization of world cultures. Self-assessment of the clinician is needed in order to examine possible personal biases. Awareness of multiculturalism is only the first step, and further exploration into education and skills using the expressive art therapies would hone multicultural competencies.

Understanding Identities Of Internationally Adopted Adolescents Through The Use Of Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Joselin Acosta Toledo

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

As international adoption becomes more popular and widely used in the United States, there is more evidence of the impact that adoption and the process of adaptation can have on an individual in both the long and short term, especially in the development of their identity. While adolescence tends to be a time when the individual is focused on creating and understanding their uniqueness, being an adoptee adds even more complexity to this task. Adopted children often struggle with issues of self- esteem, sense of belonging, identity formation, and safety (Harris, 2012). Art therapy has been successfully used with adolescents …