Increasing Self-Esteem in Adult Women through a Group Art Therapy and Media Literacy Approach
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Author
Brown, Janet
Date
2019
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
This mixed methods study investigated the effectiveness of a group art therapy approach
utilizing media literacy and narrative therapy in strengthening self-esteem in a sample of adult
women. Eating disorders may increase as culture and media impose demands through
objectification and devaluation. This study was comprised of a volunteer participant population
of adult women ranging from 26 to 65 years-of-age. The study explored body image visual
journaling and group discussion, along with the educational effects of media literacy on adult
women in encouraging them to reject the toxic messaging and to develop resistance to media
pressures. The results indicated that group art therapy approach utilizing media literacy and
narrative therapy in strengthening self-esteem in a sample of adult women demonstrated
effectiveness in increasing self-esteem. Further art therapy research was recommended to
include adult female participants with eating disorders to improve the validity of the results.