An Arts-Based Heuristic Study on the Lived Experience of Utilizing Art Therapy while Experiencing Anxiety
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Author
Bommer, Joshua
Date
2023
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
This arts-based, heuristic study examines a personal experience of creating art while
experiencing anxiety. Over the course of six weeks, a co-researcher and I met weekly to create
art for one hour while keeping notes of each session’s experiences. Moustakas’ (1990) six phases
of heuristic research were utilized as a framework and guide during the study. Through the six
phases, the nature of the experiences was observed and processed. The personal experiences of a
co-researcher and myself are discussed to express and clarify the ways each perceived and
understood the data that emerged throughout the process. The results indicated that further study
could be undertaken at the nexus of artmaking and anxiety as both the co-researcher and I found
positive personal benefit in creating art while anxious.