Reflection Cards: An Art Therapy Study with Recently Widowed Women
Loading...
Author
Gregory, Teresa
Date
2010
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
This study investigated the use of cognitive/symbolic artistic functioning and ritual in group
art therapy through the making of “reflection cards.” Two women, who have recently
experienced the loss of a spouse, participated in the art therapy session that included
“homework” of daily reflective moments. Participants rated the helpfulness of various
components of the intervention and their level of agreement with three key concepts from the
model of meaning reconstruction in bereavement (Neimeyer, 2001). Additionally,
qualitative, phenomenological data was recorded and any spiritual symbolism was
investigated. Results pointed toward the effectiveness of cognitive/symbolic artistic
functioning and post-intervention reflection for helpfulness in grief adjustment. Both of these
preliminary findings warrant further investigation, as the implications for the field of art
therapy are significant. No conclusions were made about the use of spiritual symbolism.