Date of Award

Spring 5-2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy

Abstract

Very little art therapy literature on racial and cultural themes exists. The purpose of this study was to expand on the literature that explores the use of art therapy with African Americans. The goal of this study was to determine if transpersonal art therapy would be an appropriate modality for working with African Americans.

Interaction with art materials, especially among adults, seems to be universal. Adults are initially nervous about their artistic abilities, but once at ease, are able to communicate their thoughts and feelings using the art media. In this study, the workshop participants’ reactions to using art materials as a means of expression were typical.

A correlation was made between the core concepts of transpersonal therapy outlined by Davis (2003) and the nine characteristics of traditional African American culture as defined by Stevenson and Renard (1993). It was theorized that the values and communication style inherent in the African American culture align with the concepts used in transpersonal art therapy. Similarities were found between the beliefs of workshop participants and transpersonal theory particularly in the areas of belief in a higher power and connection between spirituality and nature.

The results of the study, although promising, were only provisional due to the limited size of the group and the homogeneity of the participants. Further research in this area is necessary.

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DOI

10.25777/eg0g-9c88

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