Date of Award

Spring 4-2012

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

Robin Afton

Committee Member

Pat Thorton

Abstract

Negative self-concept is one of the psychological effects for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Treatment modalities for improving self-concept and other psychological effects of breast cancer have focused on using psycho-educational and support groups. Art therapy may be an alternate treatment modality for examining and improving self-concept. This qualitative case report utilized an eight-week art therapy intervention, using Cognitive-Behavioral and Phenomenological art therapy approaches to improve the self-concept of a female breast cancer survivor. Results yielded overlapping themes from the content analysis of images produced and written data. The four themes that emerged were spirituality, social support, positivity, and creating art. The themes suggest that art therapy is a valid method for improving self-concept of a breast cancer survivor and that self-concept can be demonstrated through the art-making process.

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DOI

10.25777/n4v4-va86

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