Abstract
Women with a history of sexual abuse have higher rates of depression, anxiety and
posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as feelings of shame and guilt. The researcher
wanted to create an art therapy directive to help the symptoms that this population of
women experiences. This research study examined the effects of using narrative art
therapy with an adult population of sexual abuse survivors. The aim of the narrative art
therapy directive was to increase self-acceptance and reduce anxiety. The results were a
decrease in individually reported anxiety, greater self-acceptance and a better
understanding of the self. The results of this study adds to the body of literature on the
benefits of narrative art therapy with this specific population.
