Date of Award

Spring 5-2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of an art-based assessment to recognize the attachment strategy of adolescents in foster care. The extenuating circumstances of foster care make it imperative to develop a sensitive, accurate, and time-efficient tool. Knowledge of specific attachment strategy can better guide therapeutic interventions. This study examined adolescents’ attachment strategy as measured by the Adolescent Relationship Questionnaire (A-RSQ) in comparison to ratings on the Bird’s Nest Drawing (BND). Fourteen adolescents in foster care participated.

Due to the low number of participants, data was predominantly analyzed descriptively. On the A-RSQ, the sample had lower proportions of secure attachment as compared to similar studies. Categories of insecure attachment included fearful, preoccupied, and dismissing. The presence of an off-center BND for those reporting a secure attachment strategy was found to be statistically significant. Notable observations include the absence of care giving or mother birds, an absence of overall impression of happiness, lack of color usage, and the absence of green as the predominant color. Participants’ A-RSQ Section 2 scores raised questions as to the accuracy of their initial self-response. Implications for further development of the BND and treatment plan possibilities are discussed.

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