Date of Award

Spring 5-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy and Counseling

Committee Director

Kerry Kruk

Committee Member

Janice Hoshino

Abstract

This study utilized a mixed methods survey to address the perceptions of art therapy among medical students currently enrolled at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Of 530 students, 179 completed the online survey, which resulted in a 34% respondent rate. Overall, respondents indicated that they find the treatment of psychosocial factors/symptoms secondary to medical illness very important and psychiatry and psychotherapy/counseling as somewhat effective in doing so. The respondents reported a lack of knowledge regarding the field of art therapy and an overall interest in learning more about art therapy and the program specific to EVMS. Suggestions for further integration of the art therapy program at EVMS to include lectures, presentations, or informal introductions to the field of art therapy. Implications of this study included the importance of integrating art therapy into the medical curriculum at the educational level, as the opinions of medical students are strongly influenced by their education and impacts how they eventually practice medicine. Also addressed was the importance for the field of art therapy to work more collaboratively with neighboring professions to continue to expand the field, especially in medical settings. Future research may benefit from replicating outcome studies and increasing sample sizes in such studies, as respondents indicated the importance of empirical support for adjunctive treatment modalities when considering referrals for their patients. It may also be beneficial for future research to examine the perceptions of medical residents, practicing physicians, and other related health professions.

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DOI

10.25777/ssa1-xj54

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