ERIC Number: EJ901217
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0742-1656
EISSN: N/A
The Impact of Education and Exposure on Art Therapist Identity and Perception
Elkis-Abuhoff, Deborah L.; Gaydos, Morgan; Rose, Sage; Goldblatt, Robert
Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, v27 n3 p119-126 2010
Students who enter a creative arts therapy program without prior exposure to a patient population experience a complex developmental journey towards creating their own identities as art therapists. In this study, 21 graduate students were asked to draw how they saw their patients and how their patients saw them. The directive was repeated 3 times throughout the course of their graduate degree education. Participants completed a qualitative questionnaire that documented their decision to pursue an education in art therapy, their population of interest, how their perception of these two areas changed over time, and a postgraduation quantitative questionnaire. A within-group repeated measures ANOVA was conducted; results showed an increase in the importance of supervisory relationships, self-awareness, and professional identity. Stress levels also increased as students approached completion of the program. The article addresses how educators and site supervisors can enhance the professional identity development of future generations of art therapists. (Contains 3 tables and 3 figures.)
Descriptors: Art Therapy, Allied Health Personnel, Graduate Students, Self Concept, Outcomes of Education, Allied Health Occupations Education, Student Attitudes, Patients, Role
American Art Therapy Association. 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. Tel: 888-290-0878; Tel: 703-212-2238; Fax: 847-566-4580; e-mail: info@arttherapy.org; Web site: http://www.arttherapyjournal.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A