An Adaptation Study Evaluating Art Therapy as a Form of Self-Care in Undergraduate College Students, Staff and Faculty
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Author
McBrown, Mercedes
Date
2018
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
This thesis investigated the perceived lack of knowledge and research of art as self-care on a college campus. Undergraduate student, staff and faculty populations were surveyed to find out what type of opportunities they utilized to reduce stress; their knowledge of self-care; their utilization of art for self-care; and their interest in creating an art therapy program on a college campus. The researcher also engaged in reflective writing through visual journaling to gain further insight into the research experience through making art. The results suggested that feelings of stress were prevalent; that there was limited practice of self-care in this population; and that there was limited understanding of art therapy. Further research was recommended to gain a better understanding of student, staff, and faculty populations’ self-care practices and to advance qualitative data that might examine the potential effectiveness of art therapy and the importance of self-care with all populations.