Date of Award

Spring 4-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy

Committee Director

Trudy Rauch

Committee Member

Agatha Parks-Savage

Committee Member

Sarah Deaver

Committee Member

Kay Stovall

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how art therapy can benefit clergy who are at a greater risk for experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue due to the unique personal stressors of their profession. As members of the helping professions who support people in the community through the local church during times of stress, death, birth, marriage and other important life junctures, they are often overworked (Strumpfer & Bands, 1996). Studies have determined that many clergy experience burnout and some may decide to leave the ministry, adding to the already declining numbers of those who decide to enter the ministry (Seminaries, 2000). This study sought to examine through art the self-care strategies that clergy employ to offset burnout, educate clergy about burnout and compassion fatigue, and provide an integrative art experience for self-reflection and renewal. Three clergy from the local community participated in a workshop designed to address clergy self-care and burnout through art therapy.

Artwork and transcribed interviews about the workshop experience were analyzed through qualitative content analysis to determine themes that emerged from images and statements made by participants. All participants completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale to determine level of burnout and compassion fatigue. Findings include rigid boundaries and compartmentalization as evidenced by outlining and smaller pictures within a picture of self-care practices in the Self-Care Drawing. A theme of brighter feelings displayed on the outside, and hidden, darker feelings, displayed on the inside, were evident in the Inside/Outside Box art activity. Implications for future research are discussed.

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DOI

10.25777/yv9f-sa74

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