Date of Award

Spring 5-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy & Counseling

Committee Director

Sarah Deaver

Committee Member

Lisa Hinz

Abstract

This study explored formal elements and content of 200 images created by eating disordered individuals to identify common themes or content. Images were found on 24 websites containing eating disordered artwork. Gathered artwork was viewed on a laptop and analyzed using methods of content analysis. After categories of formal elements and content were entered into a spreadsheet, percentages of categories and subcategories were calculated. The majority of images, 96.5%, were created with representational, rather than abstract, content. Other high percentages were in the subcategories of drawings (67.5%), vertical orientation (63%), color (61%), and partial figures (53%). Common themes noted in literature were found within the 200 images. Implications for future research include acquiring the artwork from individuals directly and studying artwork done by those with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa individually. Implications also exist for the field of art therapy as this content could be identified to corroborate an eating disorder diagnosis.

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DOI

10.25777/c4cb-k050

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Art Therapy Commons

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