Date of Award

Spring 5-2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy

Committee Director

Matthew Bernier

Committee Member

Lucille Stubbs

Abstract

Literature reveals that homelessness is inherently a situation where desired outcomes are less likely than unfavorable outcomes, and, as such, the concepts of learned hopelessness, disempowerment, and low self-efficacy are especially relevant. Self-efficacy has been found to affect one’s motivation, performance, coping, self-esteem, emotional arousal, and behavior. Homeless women who possess a stronger sense of self-efficacy are more likely to actively engage in employment and housing searches and spend less time in temporary shelters than those with low self-efficacy.

Although aspects of this problem have been studied no specific intervention models have proven effective in increasing homeless women’s self-efficacy. Literature suggests that art therapy may be effective in increasing self-esteem and sufficiency, though there is little information available regarding the utilization of art therapy to increase self-efficacy.

This mixed methods study used a pretest/ posttest design, with one participant. Data was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative data was generated via the New Self-Efficacy Scale pretest and posttest scores. Qualitative data consisted of a semi-structured interview, participant artwork, and observations made during the art therapy sessions. The goal of this mixed methods research project was to evaluate the impact of empowerment-based art therapy interventions on the perceived self-efficacy of a single mother residing in an emergency homeless shelter. This study included eight individual art therapy sessions with one adult single mother residing in the shelter with her child.

The New General Self-Efficacy Scale revealed no significant change in the participant’s self-efficacy, though the artwork created and the interview with the participant suggested an improvement in externalizing the participant’s difficulties, increasing self-confidence, and understanding her personal barriers to success.

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DOI

10.25777/cdyt-rk27

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