Date of Award

Summer 6-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy

Abstract

Research regarding social class and its effects is limited in mental health services, including art therapy. The purpose of this study was to increase awareness about social class differences and their effects on therapeutic services by exploring how social class impacts adolescents’ attitudes and approach toward artmaking as a form of expression and communication. Two artmaking workshops were conducted with two groups of adolescents from contrasting socioeconomic settings. A sample of 14 volunteers participated. It was hypothesized that adolescents from both groups would use art as an effective and desirable means of personal communication and expression.

Results are based on qualitative analysis of data from two questionnaires, observation criteria, which included attitudes toward artmaking, level of investment, approach to task, and originality and exploration of the art materials and processes, and art materials and processes used in the participants’ artwork. Two graduate art therapy students observed and rated the participants according to the observation criteria. The hypothesis was supported. Other findings included the differences between the groups’ familiarity with art materials and processes and similarities among their preferences of types of art, materials, and processes. Further research might seek to extend awareness of how social class affects art therapy services through broadening the sample size, standardizing means of measurement, and equalizing groups in terms of other characteristics such as race, age, and sex.

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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).

DOI

10.25777/t8ea-n237

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