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 development of contemporary neuroscience techniques has provided professionals in mental health fields with insight into the human brain and its functions. Literature searches revealed that there is very little research being conducted or existing literature that discusses the physiological response in the brain to the art therapy process. A more comprehensive understanding of the brain’s response to making art could enhance art therapists’ capacity to provide the most suitable treatment to meet the clients’ needs. This study was designed to explore the significance of neuroscience in art therapy, and art therapy education.

A questionnaire was emailed to 49 program directors to survey their opinion of the relevance of neuroscience in art therapy and art therapy education. Thirteen of the questionnaires were answered and submitted. Results showed that a majority of the respondents agreed that an understanding of the physiology of the brain and neuroscience play an important role in art therapy. Fifty-four percent of the respondents reported that their programs would benefit from incorporating a course on neuroscience and art therapy into their curriculum and three programs (23%) have already included a course on neuroscience. A suggested list of relevant literature addressing neuroscience, and/or the physiology of the brain, was developed. This literature was developed to encourage art therapy educators to integrate neuroscience literature into art therapy education curricula.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Download

Share

COinS