Date of Award

Winter 1-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy & Counseling

Committee Director

Sarah P. Deaver

Committee Member

Liz Mearkle-Cumming

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the effects of art therapy on children ages six to eight who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Children experience death in ways that are different from adults due to their level of development. Research indicates that children benefit from creative approaches to processing the death of a loved one as they can rely on symbolic language rather than the use of words. Within this study, art therapy sessions were implemented at a weekend long bereavement camp in order to increase knowledge about the effects of art therapy on this specific population. Twelve children ages six to eight participated in three 45-minute long art therapy sessions focusing on emotional education, emotional expression, as well as memory containment during the weekend. The children responded to the art therapy tasks with great dedication and interest. Themes that emerged from the artwork as well as from adult Big Buddy and researcher notes include Dedication to Task; Connecting Art, Emotion, and Experience; Need for Structure/Attachment to Big Buddy; Concentration on Positive Emotions; and the inclusion of Wings. Art therapy sessions helped the children to begin to understand and express their emotions while processing the death of their loved one.

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DOI

10.25777/efy1-6212

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