Abstract
Despite the increasing use of art therapy over the past two decades, questions remain about its' effectiveness as a therapeutic tool. Art therapy is discussed as it relates to Symbolic Interactionist theories, Goffman's Impression Management theory, Silver's Cognitive approach, Oster and Gould's Group Treatment approach, and ALfred Adler's theory of art therapy. Empirical studies reviewed indicate that art therapy, in combination with psychoanalysis, is an effective means of enhancing an individual's psychological well-being, particularly those experiencing depress, psychosis, and low self-esteem. Since the effectiveness of art therapy is assumed but largely intested, a study is proposed that will determine the effectiveness of art therapy independent of the effect of psychoanalysis. It is recommended that future research in art therapy employ more rigorous experimental controls, including the use of pre- and post-test designs and the measurement of long-term effects, to assess the eficacy of art therapy.
Advisor
Hurst, Charles
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Grubb, Susan P., "The Effectiveness of Art Therapy as a Source of Rehabilitation" (1989). Senior Independent Study Theses Archive. Paper 223.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudyarchive/223
Publication Date
1989
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 1989 Susan P. Grubb