Date of Award

Spring 5-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy

Committee Director

Sarah Deaver

Committee Member

Camille Dunn

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the Human Figure Drawings of children with cochlear implants (CIs) and children with normal hearing. Early implantation and the continuing advancement of hearing technologies indicate that, increasingly, children with CIs are developing at a rate equal to their hearing peers. Understanding the cognitive, emotional, and social implications development with the CI has through the use of Human Figure Drawings can lend support to the growing literature in favor of early implantation. This study considered multiple dimensions of living with a cochlear implant and evaluated how children represent their understanding of this life through art. Five children with CIs participated in the study.

Due to the low number of drawings done by children with CIs, the data was described and discussed qualitatively rather than quantitatively. Using a modified version of the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale to rate the drawing on five dimensions (Color Prominence, Color Fit, Space, Developmental Level, and Details of Objects and Environment), this study discovered that the children with CIs scored lower than their hearing peers on four out of the five scales. Scores were closer on Developmental Level. Notable observations in the drawings done by the children with CIs included the exclusion of a baseline, the inclusion of a friend, and the inclusion of CIs. Further exploration revealed that the children who drew their figures with CIs had experienced implant surgery at an older age. This discovery raised questions regarding implantation, identity, and age. Implications for broader studies with CIs and Human Figure Drawings were recommended.

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DOI

10.25777/9wxa-js22

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