Evaluating Levels of Understanding, Knowledge, and Interest in using Art Therapy as a Form of Self-Care in Undergraduate College Students and Faculty
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Author
Daniel, Samantha
Date
2017
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
This thesis reviewed the perceived lack of knowledge and research of art as self-care on a college campus. Undergraduate student and faculty populations were surveyed to find out what type of opportunities are utilized to reduce stress, the understanding of using art as self-care, and interest in creating an art therapy program on campus. This study used online and printed surveys to help maximize the population’s diversity and number of participants. Art interventions that could be utilized with a variety of populations dealing with stress for future studies were also completed. The results indicated that feelings of stress were prevalent in these populations. There was also evidence showing students practiced self-care on a regular basis. Additionally, results found that within both populations there was little understanding of art therapy; but every participant included in this study reported engaging in some form of art making to reduce stress. More research needs to be completed in order to gain a better understanding of student and faculty populations’ self-care practices.