This article presents the art therapist's engagement in responsive art making as an effective approach in working with an adolescent survivor of developmental trauma. Through a case study illustration, the art therapist's response art was effective in two main areas. First, in-session response art helped facilitate treatment goals in accordance…

Art therapists have long held that art production causes reductions in stress and elevations in mood (Rubin, 1999). The authors examined this claim in a randomized, controlled trial. Fifty adults between the ages of 18 and 30 were randomly assigned to either create an art work or to view and sort a series of art prints. Three measures of overall…

This study examined the relationship between mothers and children with Down syndrome as reflected in the mothers' drawings of themselves and their disabled children. A sample of 20 mothers, 10 Bedouin-Arabs and 10 Jews, participated in the study. Of these, 10 mothers of children with Down syndrome served as the study group, and a matched group of…

Despite the growing number of Hispanics in the US and in caseloads of art therapists, previous literature on this topic is scarce and predominantly based on case studies. This survey assessed the perceptions of 27 art therapists from large metropolitan areas regarding the use of art therapy with Hispanic clients. These perceptions included client…

This pilot study included a content analysis of the Wall of Remembrance (also known as the Childrens Tile Wall) on display at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) in Washington, D.C. This artwork is composed of 3,324 six-inch square tiles depicting the impressions of children, adolescents and a few adults regarding the Holocaust.…

Investigates patients' responses to drawing experiences while in a hemodialysis unit. It was postulated that patients would be stimulated to talk about issues and experiences and improve their confidence and self-esteem. Results indicate that all patients enjoyed the experience of drawing; they became focused on doing the drawings and the hours…

Examines correlations between five different line qualities and five different categories of emotions expressed in participant artwork. The sample consisted of 50 adult participants in a partial-psychiatric program. Results showed significant relationships between line quality and emotions. (Contains 15 references, 6 figures, and 2 tables.) (GCP)

Notes that American Art Therapy Association (AATA) membership survey was completed by 1,988 members in 1992-93 and provides information on their areas of specialization, populations, major activities, salary, and optional demographic information. Data from report are presented to provide general graphic picture of field of art therapy and AATA…

Background: The aims were to identify referral characteristics and outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities referred to a psychodynamic psychotherapy service. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case notes review of anonymized data relating to 100 sequential patient episodes. Results: A total of 81 people out of 100 with a range of…

As a Chaplain working in the Anglican school system in Melbourne, Australia, my concern is with the spiritual development of students. This year I have been trialing the educational application of activities used in creative arts therapy. Continuing the theme of my recent doctoral studies in children's spirituality, I am concerned that education…

A study of 10 chronically ill women showed how they positively reconstructed self and identity through engaging in textile artwork. Findings suggest that meaningful artistic occupation may provide a source of positive identity for people with chronic illness. (Contains 24 references.) (JOW)

Studies the potential value of using art therapy as an intervention with refugees. The refugee experiences of two Bosnian women in Perth, Western Australia, were explored. Results of the study indicate that art therapy provides an effective tool for refugees to begin exploring some of the experiences associated with war, oppression, exile, and…

Cancer patients who have completed medical treatment are often left with unresolved psychological issues. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York offers a group art therapy program for cancer patients to help them regain their self-confidence and readjust their self-identity. The response of 70 participants has been positive and has…

Outlines the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS), a measurement system for applying numbers to global variables in two-dimensional art. Developed for use with the single-picture assessment, researchers can apply many of the 14 scales of the FEATS to other types of drawings. Discusses how art therapists who are studying other assessments can…

Presents results of a study of the graphic indicators in drawings by patients with substance abuse disorders. The Bird's Nest Drawing, an assessment task previously devised to elicit pictorial representations of attachment security, was used to examine attachment patterns of volunteers. Results showed that those with substance abuse diagnoses were…