Based on the American Art Therapy Association Research Committee's interest and support for learning how research is taught, a quantitative and qualitative survey of master's-level programs was conducted. Twenty four of the 44 surveyed programs responded. Twenty three (95.8 per cent) of the respondents required a course of at least three credits,…

This paper describes a 2-day conference at Lesley University for art therapists and people with mental illness who have experienced art therapy or make art for self-expression. Designed as a "participatory dialogue," the conference was a form of participatory action research (PAR) developed by the Center for Mental Health Services in Washington,…

Of general interest in this study comparing two cottage-home art therapy groups was the question of whether or not a token reward system would increase children's cooperative behaviors and art production. Participants in the study were residents at a treatment facility for abused children. Cottages differed in the responsiveness of residents to…

The study evaluated the effect of art therapy on the development of basic academic concepts with 84 handicapped children (ages 7 to 11 years). The children were given the Silver Test of Cognitive and Creative Skills which uses drawing tasks to assess the child's understanding of the concept of a class or group of objects, the concept of space, and…

Research compared Storytelling for Empowerment Program participants' pre and posttest responses on drug use. High contact participants had the most marked changes with a decrease in their alcohol and marijuana use. All participants in the last year of the program, regardless of contact hours, decreased their alcohol use and increased in their…

There is little research on the psychological impact of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) on family members. This study uses the Human Figure Drawing (HFD) to measure siblings' emotional distress toward BMT. Among the siblings, feelings of isolation, anger, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem emerged as major themes. Findings indicate the…

Surveyed art therapy literature available on computer databases to assess the literary activity of registered art therapists along with other mental health professionals between the years 1983 and 1993. Computer databases were selected as the source of gathering information because they offer a wide and varied audience accessibility to a vast…

Painting may provide an outlet for self-expression for stroke patients experiencing physical, emotional, and social difficulties during rehabilitation. A case study of a stroke patient demonstrates the value of the artistic process as a vehicle for integration and communication. (LSR)

Investigates the use of three art-based instruments using imagery that measure children's cognitive development. Suggests that Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, the British Picture Vocabulary Scale, and the Naglieri Draw-A-Person Test would be useful tools for art therapists to more systematically view children's drawings from a developmental…

Investigated effects of group counseling using art activities in improving self-esteem among Hawaiian elementary children (N=50). Found subjects who participated in counseling had higher Social Peer-Related and Academics/School-Related Self-Esteem scores than children who did not participate. (ABL)

Investigated effect of alexithymia upon person's art production. Administered Toronto Alexithymia Scale and 100-mm analog scales for depression and anxiety to 100 psychiatric patients. Each subject drew and identified his/her illness. All subjects, even those quantified as alexithymic, were able to graphically communicate their illness using these…

Reports on assessments of four affects (anxiety, depression, anger, and contentment) using three different measures. Results show that staff members (n=44) reported lower levels of dysphoric affect than 40 psychiatric inpatients. Findings show that therapists can predict affects that are suggested by prestructured visual elements used in the…

Focuses on the dissonance that exists between most therapies offered to women seeking help and their need to be heard. Presents numerous examples of how art therapy allows women clients to tailor the therapy to fit their own view of the problems and discover solutions that keep them in relationships. (RJM)

Examines the Mandala (circular) drawings of elderly patients diagnosed with dementia in order to explore the drawings' role in artmaking and patients' internal processes. Categorized drawings using the MARI Card Test (a projective psychological instrument). Describes the six MARI stages drawn most frequently and colors used most often. (RJM)

Describes how art therapy can be used with an elderly population experiencing a wide range of cognitive impairments. Claims that the evocative nature of art allows older adults with dementia to become expressive and bypass some of their cognitive deficits. Focuses on evaluation, nonverbal communication, sensory exploration, and self-reflective…