Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Claywork In Art Therapy With Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Jennifer Morrison

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores the potential benefits of the claywork modality within art therapy as a treatment for individuals who experienced childhood sexual abuse or trauma. The goals of this literature review are to indicate and define appropriate terms; discuss the forms and prevalence of childhood sexual abuse and trauma; explore traditional treatment models; investigate the benefits of claywork in treatment for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and trauma. The research reviewed included published studies, research analyses, and literature reviews covering the topics of childhood sexual abuse and trauma, group therapy, art therapy for the treatment of trauma, and claywork. …

Examining The Creative Therapies As A Strategy For Addressing The Trauma Of Intimate Partner Violence: A Literature Review, Gina Cestaro

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Thirty percent of all women worldwide will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime (WHO, 2019). IPV is damaging to the body and mind, and impacts every area of a woman’s life, and frequently results in trauma (Murray, et al., 2017). The seriousness and prevalence of intimate partner violence clearly warrants research into effective treatments. Consequently, this literature review examines existing arts-based interventions that address the symptomology of trauma and how those interventions could specifically benefit victim-survivors of IPV. Research in neuroscience has shown that memories of a traumatic experience are often stored as disconnected fragments and overwhelming bodily …

Designing For Adolescent Mental Wellness: An Analysis Of Museum Education, Art Therapy, And Developmental Theory, Katherine Angela Himics

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Museums serve as therapeutic environments providing positive, arts engagement opportunities for visitors’ mental wellness and growth. Literature reveals that mental wellness programming in the museum environment predominantly serves adult audiences, yet the presentation of mental illness symptoms commonly begins during adolescence. In response, this study sought to provide an accessible, replicable structure for the design and implementation of adolescent mental wellness programming. Through a qualitative textual and content analysis, this study developed a series of recommendations for the development of said programming informed by the comparison of clinical art therapy practices, adolescent developmental theory, and the strengths of museum education.

Positive Art Therapy And Well-Being In Urban Us Schools: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Jennifer Hicks

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The integration of positive art therapy into urban school systems holds great promise in increasing the general well-being of adolescents at a systemic level. Urban school systems tend to have a diverse ethnic population as well as students of low socioeconomic status. Adolescents in urban schools often face difficulties that stretch beyond academics such as poverty and racism. It is argued that there should be a method developed to diminish the growing rate of mental health issues within this demographic. Treating symptoms of mental health difficulties is important but looking at what makes people happy should not be ignored. What …

Expressive Arts Therapy And The Loneliness Epidemic- A Critical Review Of Literature, Tiffany Crockett

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Loneliness has become a public health crisis in this country, and research is still fairly new. However, current research indicates that emerging and aging adults are most affected by loneliness and social isolation. With these populations, the most effective treatments to be found included connecting with others through conversation and volunteering, along with expressive arts. This thesis presents loneliness in a historical context and focuses on loneliness between three major groups: emerging adults, aging adults, and those in romantic dependent relationships. Specifically, this thesis aims to provide a thorough literature review of academic and non-academic resources offering interventions for loneliness …

A Literature Review Of Community Art Therapy With Youth In Inner City Communities Of Color, Jennifer Habeeb

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review was developed to synthesize the research surrounding community-based art therapy with youth who reside in inner city communities of color. Youth of color in inner city communities face a number of different challenges such as low socioeconomic status, social inequality, discrimination, and lack of political representation. There is currently little research on the impact of art therapy and expressive arts interventions with this population, however; these interventions have shown to be effective in a number of different areas. Literature revealed that community-based art therapy with inner city youth of color has shown to increase self-esteem, decrease symptoms …

Art Therapy In Public Education, Sophie Edelman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores the history of art therapy in education. By understanding the history it is clear that art therapy has always been a positive force for students. By learning from the successes and challenges in our history we are better able to plan for future programing and expansion of art therapy programs. Because art therapy was developed in part by educators, the history of art therapy itself is linked with the history of art therapy in schools. In today’s application of art therapy in education there are three models most typically used. The research discusses the strengths and …

Critical Pedagogy In The Intercultural Classroom: The Influence Of Values On Participatory Patterns In The Classroom, Misheel Mandalsaikhan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the influence of values on students’ participatory patterns within higher education settings and considers the importance of value exploration in art therapy education. Based on the theory of critical pedagogy by Paulo Freire, the influence of historically oppressive pedagogical practices on international and minority students is examined. Drawing on literature that identifies factors in students’ participatory patterns, students’ participatory patterns were found to be determined by values more than race or ethnicity. Though broader values exist within racial and ethnic groups, the reduction of ethnic and racial groups to singular values strips individuals of their unique and …

Student Wellbeing And Open Studio Process In The School Curriculum, Maria Kim

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This study aimed to explore whether Open Studio Process (OSP) increased wellbeing of middle and high school students when facilitated by teachers as a part of the regular art curriculum. It was hypothesized that OSP might increase the sense of wellbeing among middle and high school students as well as facilitating teachers. The research was conducted as a mixed methods study in South Korea where students need preventative interventions for their wellbeing. The researcher trained eight teachers to facilitate OSP and five of them implemented it with their classes for seven sessions. Quantitative data (K-YSR; pre- and posttest) were collected …

Art, Movement And The Body: An Art-Based Research Exploration Of Slow, Gentle, And Repetitive Painting Movements, Melissa Hedlund Nelson

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

Art-based research explored the effects of using slow, gentle, and repetitive painting movements paired with pauses during this painting process. Five participants completed four painting sessions that were filmed; sessions consisted of painting with acrylic paints on canvas or Bristol board and reflective writing. Embodied response paintings were created by myself in response to participant paintings. A reflective research process consisting of documentation, reflection, and examination, was used to help in the materialization of outcomes. The inquiry yielded the following outcomes: it was challenging to paint slowly, there was an increase in connection to present moment awareness and immersion, a …

Abstract Art And Its Effects On Stress In High School Students: Development Of A Method, Shera Weintraub

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Stress in schools has become an increasing problem within the United States. Adolescents struggle with high rates and high levels of anxiety due to many pressures surrounding them, especially expectations from school. Due to their growing brains, stress and anxiety during this time can affect future functioning. It is crucial that teens learn ways to manage stress levels now, so they can develop healthy coping skills that can continue into adulthood. There has been plenty of research on art therapy and its benefits for mental health in this population. This study investigates the effects of abstract art on stress …

Emotional Layering: An Art Therapy Intervention With Children And Adolescents In An Inpatient Setting, Victoria L. Carey

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Emotion regulation is the ability of a person to identify and control their emotions during life experiences. This form of regulation can be a struggle for some people, especially during their adolescent years. If a teenager is then in crisis, experienced trauma(s), and/or made a suicide attempt, it is even harder to work through and be able to identify their emotions. Existing research shows the difficulty some adolescents have with identifying emotions, especially after going through crisis and being placed on a locked psychiatric unit (Ciarrochi, Heaven, & Supavadeeprasit, 2008; Perez, Venta, & Garnaat, 2012; Hatkevich, Penner, & Sharp, 2019). …

Art Therapy’S Supportive Role In Self-Esteem For Youth And Correlating External Factors, Jennifer Schott

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The development of self-esteem in children and adolescents has been greatly influenced by the environment in which they have been exposed and nurtured. The external factors that have been present in an individual’s experiences shape the format and understanding in their perception of self, especially self-esteem. Correlations have been recognized between external factors and levels of self-esteem. With these external factors growing and evolving, research and various therapeutic interactions can support the positive growth of self-esteem. Art therapy has played an altering role in children and adolescents’ perceptions of self through exploration in empowerment and creative therapeutic skills. Art mediums …

Art Therapy, Mass Media And Self-Acceptance With Adolescents: A Literature Review, Samantha Leary

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature reviews provides a synopsis of art therapy its potential benefits in combating negative effects associated with social media and adolescents’ sense of self-acceptance. Using art therapy as a mode of self-expression is found to help negate negative effects of social media and provide adolescents with healthy tools to help them develop and grow. Social media provides a wealth of information that can be detrimental to the emotional growth of young adults. In this literature review lack of face to face connection, idealized beauty standards, instant gratification and social comparisons are correlated to depressive symptoms in adolescents. Through the …

The Use Of Dolls And Figures In Therapy: A Literature Review, Jennifer Krystyniak

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Therapists utilize various means to treat clients, which includes the use of toys, games, dolls, and other media. By reviewing existing literature on therapeutic uses of dolls, I wish to shed light on the potential benefit of using dolls and figurines in the therapeutic setting. The use of dolls in therapy has been utilized in various ways, aligning with themes of narrative, drama, play, and expression. Through a review of existing literature and case study, the use of dolls as a therapeutic intervention will be explored through examining their use in multiple populations and age groups. By highlighting their wide …

How Can Art Therapy Be Utilized To Improve The Mental Health And Quality Of Life Of Pediatric Oncology Patients?, Emily Golubowski

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Pediatric oncology patients and survivors endure multiple obstacles related to physical health and recovery during and after their treatment time. In addition, mental health complications related to adjustment, anxiety, depression, and stress can complicate the overall quality of life and functioning of individuals who have endured this diagnosis and treatment. As an intervention, art therapy can provide relief from physical symptom management, relieve mental health symptoms and stressors, and improve overall quality of life. Art therapy directives and professional work can assist in teaching appropriate coping skills, enhance emotional intelligence, improve communication, restore a sense of control, and improve overall …

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 …

Lessening Psychosomatic Symptoms Using Art Therapy, Mindfulness, And Yoga: Development Of A Method, Breanna Washburn

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Psychosomatic symptoms are often misunderstood and ignored by many individuals that see those that experience them as either hypochondriacs, or not a priority due to often being unexplained by modern medicine. Mindfulness-based practices have been one of the most common proven treatment methods in various studies to support the reduction and intensity of symptoms coming from emotional distress. Both art therapy and yoga were shown in some studies to do the same, but at a lower rate. I was drawn to exploring how to lessen psychosomatic symptoms by combining these three aspects of treatment to create a mindfulness-based art therapy …

Using Art To Mitigate Burnout For Those Working In Direct Care, Jessica E. Goodchild

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Through a critical review of the existing literature, this capstone thesis seeks to investigate the potential benefits and drawbacks to the integration of guided artistic practices within the workplace. The literature reviewed focused on both qualitative and quantitative studies of burnout and explored the professional benefits that art making can provide in mitigating burnout for those within a western culture working in the field of mental health and social services, particularly in the capacity of a direct care worker (DCW). Through the review of the literature a case can be made for the benefits of using visual art to engage …

Nature As Metaphor In School Art Therapy: Development Of A Group Method, Jordan Struckman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This group method was developed to observe the impact of bringing nature materials indoors to be utilized in school art therapy sessions. Little research exists on the impacts of natural materials being used therapeutically and expressively in a school setting. This study was conducted throughout the course of one week of therapeutic homeroom with three female high school students aged 15-17. Sand, shells, leaves, flowers, seaweed, sea grapes, driftwood, prickly seeds, and berries were gathered from a beach pathway by the researcher and presented in organized piles on a large classroom table. Students responded to a different prompt for four …

Beyond Resistance And Resilience: The Altered Book In Adolescent And Young Adult Complex Trauma Recovery, A Method, Colleen Mann-Buxton

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The method detailed in this paper was developed to explore the potential positive impacts altered bookmaking could have on adolescents and young adults with complex trauma histories. The paper describes the literature supporting the use of art therapy in trauma treatment and using altered books with adolescents to explore identity and assist in treating depression and anxiety. Trauma is typically not communicated linearly or with words; art therapy is effective in treating individuals with trauma, as the modality allows the client to communicate symbolically. By externalizing the story onto an object, a book, clients create space from their thoughts, memories, …

Hands On: Sexual Satisfaction, Communication, And Clay-Work, Courtney Kim Morgan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The topics of sexual satisfaction, communication, and behaving communally towards each other piques the interest of lay people and academics alike. Yet, what is less researched is the potential of art making with clay to influence sexual communication and satisfaction. The innate physicality of (co-) creating has the potential to increase our attunement with our own and each other’s bodies. This in turn has the possibility to directly affect sexual satisfaction and communication. Through the creation of a method and its implementation with three couples and one individual, presented as case studies, this thesis investigates clay-work’s ability to influence sexual …

How Art Can Be Used To Grieve And Heal: Making Altered Books With Parentally Bereaved Adolescents, Samantha Adams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Death is a natural and inevitable part of life. The grief response to death is also natural, yet children’s grief is often overlooked. Many believe that children are not capable of grief because their brains are still developing or that they do not understand what death is and therefore cannot grieve. It is true that a child will grieve differently than an adult, but they still experience grief. This paper focused on children and adolescents who have experienced the death of a parent and how they use art to grieve in a healthy way. Existing research supports the benefits of …

Engagement And The Therapeutic Process In Art Therapy With Adolescent Boys In Residential Care: A Literature Review, Lauren Gallagher

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Current treatments for youth in residential treatment incorporate aspects of behavioral based and psych-educational based approaches with point and level systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychiatric services, and psychopharmacological treatment. However, research is lacking on improving the agency, motivation, and motivating factors of the therapeutic process for children in residential settings, specifically adolescent boys. Art therapy with a relational and person-centered focus may be an influential alternative treatment to motivate and engage this population. Within this body of research, the areas of art therapy, trauma-informed practice, relational-cultural theory, person-centered approaches, and the C.A.R.E. model are explored as treatment methodologies with adolescent …

Zentangles For Mental Health Awareness, Rachel Immel

Honors Projects

The world is starting to see the rise of a stress related epidemic. Finding time to balance the struggles of everyday life, like academics, finances, careers and relationships, while also maintaining personal mental health is becoming increasingly difficult. This is what prompted me to use my project as an opportunity to help people relieve stress and create a community through the use of art, especially during a time where social interaction has been severely limited due to COVID-19.

My project is a series of live-streamed Zentangle art classes I hosted personally that were open to the public through Zoom. Zentangle …

Fostering Hope In Adolescents Via Art Therapy Teen Group, Caitlin Pritchard

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this Capstone Thesis was to analyze whether or not hope can be shared or encouraged within the context of a teenage art therapy group. Research demonstrates that hope encourages optimism, promotes happiness, and increases our psychosocial well-being (Catalino, Algoe, & Fredrickson, 2014; Le, Cropley, & Greaves, 2015; Yeung, Ho, & Mak, 2015), that an individual may be encouraged toward hope via therapy and the therapist/client relationship (Carmelo Vazquez, 2017; Yeasting & Jung, 2010), and that art therapy, which is creativity integrated with counseling encourages a deeper access of a client’s state of being verses simple talk-therapy (Bishop …

Investigating The Link Between Executive Function And Creativity In School Aged Children, Katherine Crenshaw

Honors Theses

The primary purpose of this research was to examine links between executive function (i.e., EF or conscious control) and creativity in school aged children. To accomplish this, participants completed measurements of creativity (i.e., Alternative Uses) and EF (i.e., the Backwards Digit Span to test working memory, the Delay of Gratification task to test inhibition). I also examined whether a creative manipulation (i.e., free coloring or coloring task-relevant materials) would impact EF performance in the Dimensional Card Change Sort (DCCS) focused on cognitive flexibility. While I did not find evidence for a relationship between my measures of EF and creativity, I …

Labyrinth Meditation As A Foundation For Photography With Adolescents, Corrie Vanderbrug

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

This capstone thesis paper analyzes how the use of meditation, finger labyrinths, and photography intertwine to strengthen reflection for the adolescent population. To further this community engagement project, the researcher observed two male adolescents in in their work with meditation and photography. Results revealed that after the use of labyrinth meditation, participants felt calm and quiet. The photo-taking portion of this study was different than what they had previously experienced while taking images. Results also showed that meditation before photo-taking allowed for reflection, awareness, and personal empowerment to increase during the art making process. This study emphasizes the need …

Reducing Stress In Creative Spaces: Art Therapy With Adults Living With Physical Disabilities, A Literature Review, Kelly Brennan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Historically and currently, adults living with physical disabilities encounter life dilemmas, triggering high levels of stress. Despite the seriousness of these situations, the support and recognition of the struggle such obstacles cause tend to go ignored by society. Since persons living without disabilities do not personally feel or even perceive the gravity of the stress, accessibility demands remain overlooked. Monumental changes in political and societal constitutions take time, however, current methods that are often used with individuals coping with stress are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy. These treatments reduce stress among varied populations, specifically when treating individuals living …

Creating A Space To Externalize: Mindfulness Based Art Therapy For Childhood Trauma, A Literature Review, Emily Jaworski

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Experiencing trauma in childhood can result in complex symptoms that impact the development as well as the mental, emotional, and physiological health of the child, resonating throughout their lifespan. Various forms of treatments are used to address the behavioral and emotional symptoms in children who experienced trauma such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Pharmacotherapy, however the vast majority of them do not incorporate a holistic framework when supporting children to process their traumatic experiences, therefore they do not attend to trauma as a catalyst for changes in the mind and body. This literature review aims to examine the …