Discusses a study of job search and employment experiences among graduates (n=64) of a graduate art therapy training program. Results reflect an employment rate of 93.7% with a relatively high level of job satisfaction. Describes the nature of survey participants' job search employment, employment stability, availability of supervision, and…

Studied whether a source of depression in men (n=5) originated from conflicts in sex role expectations. Subjects completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Depression Coping Questionnaire, Bem Sex Role Inventory, and four drawings depicting their male roles and self-concept. Sex Role conflict was correlated to subjects' presenting problems at…

Discusses which art therapy interventions were chosen to address the long- and short-term effects of sexual abuse, and provides theoretical and psychological documentation for each choice. Participants were evaluated using the Trauma Symptoms Child Checklist. Results document a reduction in the symptoms commonly associated with childhood sexual…

This exploratory, quasi-experimental study compared the impact of 2 art therapy approaches on the self-esteem of 27 female juvenile offenders. Participants took part in an art psychotherapy or an art as therapy group intervention. Self-esteem was measured with a questionnaire designed by the authors and the Harter Adolescent Self-Perception…

For several years, researchers have systematically investigated therapeutic communication in the counseling relationship. Although comparative studies have assessed the similarities and differences among various approaches, no one has compared verbal and art therapeutic communication. This study analyzed the demonstrated equivalence of verbal and…

Sought to compare the visual imagery (i.e., the drawings) and the metaphorical statements (i.e., the words used to describe the pictures) of coping and noncoping children to ascertain whether the pictures and words of coping children reflect emotional health, whereas those of noncoping children signify inner turmoil. (ABB)

Given the increasing use of art as a means of fostering communication in therapeutic settings, it was hypothesized that an art-focused group activity might improve social relations on a college campus and reduce campus residents' levels of loneliness. A controlled efficacy evaluation was conducted using college students (N=140) living in 11…

It is generally accepted that males are superior to females in spatial ability. To test this assumption, the Silver Drawing Test (SDT) was administered to students 12 to 15 years old (33 girls and 33 boys) attending public schools in Nebraska, New York, and Pennsylvania. No significant differences in spatial ability were found. (KW)

Presents case studies of two children of four and five years who had experienced sexual abuse. Discusses the significance of their drawings in relation to the uncovering and treating of the trauma of sexual abuse. (RJC)

Examined effects of directed art activities on behavior of two preschool children and one kindergarten child with disabilities. Results indicated that directed art activity had larger effect than control condition on social behavior of two children, whereas control condition generated little effect. Neither art activity had measurable effect on…

Explored concepts of brain hemispheric lateralization and distinct right brain functioning in extensive dissociation by administering Dissociative Experiences Scale to 114 engineering students and 92 university drawing students. Chi-square calculation found differences in dissociative scoring levels between groups that approached significance at…

Relationships among anger, anger drawing themes, and age are investigated in this follow-up study. Data used were scores from Spielberger's State Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) and an anger theme drawing. Chi-square and two-factor ANOVA were used. Results suggest that anger drawing theme is a function of maturity rather than level of…

Describes two years of field observations working on the Penobscot Indian reservation. Discusses three issues found to be central to effective therapeutic relationships: trust, common ground, and mutual respect and understanding. Discusses client art as it relates to Native American spirituality, values, and personal growth. (JPS)

Research has shown that traumatic stress has negative effects on overall health and well-being. Traumatic exposure has been linked to higher rates of psychological and physical health problems. Writing about trauma or stress has been shown to improve health and reduce stress, but can negatively affect mood. The purpose of this study was to examine…

Examines whether the use of artistic expression in counseling heightened clients' emotional awareness. Analyzed the content of the dialog of six clients who used artistic expression and found that their level of experiencing increased as they discussed their pictures. Recommends art therapy as an adjunct to verbal modes of counseling. (RJM)