Date of Award

Spring 5-2016

Document Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy and Counseling

Committee Director

Sarah Deaver

Committee Member

Catherine Derber

Abstract

The proposed study aimed to determine psychological sequelae of HIV as manifested in the HFD. The goal of this study was to compare HFDs drawn by Kenyan children with and without HIV, using a modified form of the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS) (Gantt & Tabone, 1998). It was hypothesized that statistically significant differences between the two groups of drawings would exist. Based upon differences between the two groups of HFDs, inferences were made regarding the effect of HIV on children living in Kenya. Research suggests that there are significant negative ramifications of HIV diagnosis including depressive symptoms, decreased self-esteem, and decreased self-concept. The Human Figure Drawing (HFD) directive could predict self-esteem, depression, anxiety and self-concept. Further studies of the HFD indicate that it may not be a culturally sensitive predictor of these things. The current study analyzed 45 human figures drawn by HIV positive and HIV negative children from an orphanage in Limuru, Kenya. The lack of statistically significant differences between groups’ HFD drawings could indicate that the positive, nurturing environment at Nazareth Joy Children’s Village (NJCV) could mitigate the negative effects of HIV on the children.

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