Art Therapy in Pediatric Palliative Care: Promoting the Visual Voice by Identifying Feelings, Emotions and Pain Perception through Drawing
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Author
Lackey, Katja
Date
2023
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
The following qualitative study investigated the experiences of individualized art therapy
interventions with pediatric palliative care patients in a medical setting. A body feelings map
directive with Pediatric Palliative care patients (6-18 years old) promoted embodiment and
connection to feelings, emotions, and pain. It connected the sensation within the boundary of the
body map. The visual expression of emotions and feelings opened the PPC patient's Perceptual
and Affective components as the chaos of those experiences was visually organized and recalled
by the participant. PPC children expressed their feelings through drawing was studied to
understand and observe the PPC client's verbal connection to their visual response. The resulting
themes from the study were emotional self-awareness, expression of intense feelings, and identity.
All participants indicated anger in the body map but drew about fear as an experience. The agency
of the directive promotes autonomy and control for the patient. Visual experiences of symptoms
offered the PPC treatment team new insights. The interviews, artwork, a body feelings map, and
observations resulted in the use of art therapy to aid in learning and psychosocial support to the
pediatric palliative care patient within the medical setting and expression of emotions and
experiences.