Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

“There Was Something Magical About This Group”: Building Cohesion In A Psychiatric Hospital, Mariah L. Logan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone details the development and implementation of Hope Notes, an expressive arts therapy intervention used in a private psychiatric hospital setting. Hope Notes was carried out in the group setting with adolescent and adult clients in a partial-hospitalization or inpatient hospitalization with a range of diagnoses and symptoms including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma disorders including post-traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder with symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, suicidality and homicidally. Using expressive arts therapy the clients worked together to collaboratively discuss, create, design, and build an art piece intended to increase group cohesion and connection …

Songwriting As Self-Care - A Burnout Prevention Tool For Mental Health Professionals: Development Of A Method, Brittany Leonard

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this capstone thesis, songwriting is examined through a critical, humanistic lens to determine whether or not it can be used as a legitimate method of self-care to prevent burnout and minimize perceived symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in mental health professionals. Therapeutic songwriting is an intervention grounded in analytical theory that aims to access the unconscious mind and uncover deep emotions, which is the foundation of this study. Rather than focusing on the effects songwriting has on clients, the researcher was interested in the benefits of songwriting for individuals working in the field of mental health. This project …

Digital Music Making: Developing A Method For Using Technology In Music Psychotherapy, Sangeetha Kavety

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The use of technology, specifically digital songwriting and music making, in the context of psychotherapy is a subject that is not yet as well researched or practiced in the field of music therapy. The majority of the existing literature acknowledges the assistive function that technology such as tablets, smartphones, and computers can play in treatment of populations with cognitive and motor difficulties. However, there is little regarding the use of technology as the main means of creating music, and even less in the context of treatment of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents in family settings. For this capstone project, …

Development Of A Method: Self-Directed Self-Expression Through Digital Storytelling For Students With Behavioral Concerns, Stephanie Sabins

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Digital storytelling is an accessible and adaptable gateway for self-expression. There has been much research done exploring the benefits of using it within therapeutic and educational contexts, as it offers an alternative, semi-structured opportunity to freely create. Utilizing this form of expressive therapies with children with behavioral concerns can offer control and autonomy in a world where they get more attention for their problematic behaviors. This study was intended to provide a digital platform for children with behavioral concerns to direct their own self-expression through digital storytelling. The children chosen for this intervention attend a therapeutic behavioral day school and …

How Can Drama Therapy Support The Military Spouse During A Deployment Cycle: A Literature Review, Victoria Stephens

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Between September 11^th 2001 and 2013, over 2.5 million individuals in the American military have embarked on deployments to combat zones, with a recorded 55 percent of the active service members leaving behind significant others for anywhere between 4 to 24 months at a time (Kees, Nerenberg, Bachrach, & Sommer, 2015). There is very little empirical research focusing on the effect deployment has on spouses; but research thus far demonstrates that deployment has a significant impact on the mental health of spouses (Werner-Wilson et al., 2011). Studies in this review highlight general needs and the specific strains of depression, …

Considering Art Therapy For Adults With Fear Of Cancer Recurrence (Fcr): A Literature Review, Max Roberts

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a major problem for many cancer survivors. As cancer treatments improve and more people are surviving cancer, FCR will likely become a larger problem in general for the healthcare system. Art therapists working with cancer survivors need to be prepared for addressing FCR as they are likely to encounter this clinical issue. A literature search was conducted and no research investigating art therapy specifically for FCR was found, indicating there is currently no empirically supported approach to art therapy for FCR. Mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies appear to be efficacious for reducing effects of FCR. …

Exploring The Relationship Between High-Ses And Anxiety/Depression In Adolescents: Development Of A Method, Angela Talkowski

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder among children and adolescents with the number of individuals impacted increasing, especially for children and adolescents with high socioeconomic status. Although mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are impacting affluent children and adolescents in steadily rising numbers, there is very little research about why this is happening and how to effectively treat this population. This thesis addressed the impact affluence has on mental health in adolescents attending an affluent school system and aimed to explore effective treatments for this population. A review of the literature was conducted surrounding the …

The Use Of Dance/Movement Therapy To Improve Stabilization Of Trauma Responses In Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence: A Literature Review, Genevieve Fuller

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a traumatic experience that requires trauma informed care. Because trauma effects the body and often places a survivor in a state of flight, fight or freeze, it is important that the body be involved in recovery from IPV. This includes stabilization of the body’s physical responses to trauma, which is part of the first phase of trauma recovery—safety. Through a review of the literature on trauma treatment, IPV programs, and body-based therapies such as dance/movement therapy (D/MT) and somatic psychotherapy (SP), stabilization that addresses the body is found to be an important part of trauma …

Integrating Digital App Technologies Within Traditional Expressive Arts Therapy For Children And Adolescents, Sarah Storjohann

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In recent years, technology in the form of digital applications (apps) has emerged as a fundamental aspect of everyday life as well as a practical, convenient, and inexpensive tool for artistic self-expression, most notably amongst children and adolescents. Ninety-eight percent of U.S. households currently possess some form of mobile device (Rideout, 2017), with an estimated 95% of U.S. teenagers ages 13 to 17 owning a Smartphone (Anderson & Jiang, 2018). As digital natives, children and adolescents are more likely to identify with and connect to these arts-based methods. Clinician perspective concerning digital integration varies across a wide spectrum. Through a …

Expressive Mindfulness: A Trauma-Sensitive Expressive Arts Therapy Group Method, Meghan Daly

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Mindfulness and expressive arts therapy are both supportive of directing attention in a manner that promotes integration and function of a person. In this paper, a trauma-sensitive method was created for use in a day treatment setting for adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). This method utilized expressive movement, visual art making with three different materials, and creative writing to encourage mindful, non-judgmental acceptance of the present moment; a sense of relaxation; and an overall increase in quality of life. During development of the method arts-based research informed the choice of materials, music, and structure of the group. …

Exploring The Usage Of Found Objects In Art Therapy For Bereavement: A Literature Review, Bridget Bogan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Bereavement is a multifaceted, evolving, and intensely individual experience. Moving away from a linear theoretical framework towards a constructivist theoretical model promotes the healing properties of self-narrative while incorporating the story of the loss of a loved one. Most important to bereaved individuals, as indicated by current research on the topics of death, grief, and bereavement are memory keeping, meaning making, and continued bonds with the deceased. These common themes have remained consistent since the Victorian age.

Traditional mourning jewelry represents a form of memorialization and continued bonds with the dead. Alternative forms of art using found objects belonging to …

A Critical Review Of The Literature On The Accessibility Of Music Therapy In Rural Areas In The Usa For Families With Children With Special Needs, Carolyn Artesani

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis explores the topic of the accessibility of music therapy in rural areas of the United States for families with children with special needs. Through a critical review of the literature on this topic, it was found that the small body of knowledge on music therapy in rural parts of the USA focused on populations other than families with children with special needs (Brotons & Marti, 2003; Leist, 2011; Levy, Spooner, Lee, Sonke, Myers, & Snow, 2018; Sisk, 2016). Literature from music therapy journals as well as related health professions were analyzed and synthesized to further understand why …

Mindful Mandala Art Therapy In Partial Hospitalization With Children: Development Of A Method, Kristen Sampson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper discusses an art therapy mindfulness mandala group method created for use within a partial hospitalization program (PHP) setting with children in Boston, MA. Literature regarding partial hospitalization population, therapeutic needs, and treatment was reviewed in order to develop a method to therapeutically benefit child clients aged nine-thirteen at the PHP. Due to the symptomology of clients within the program, much of which was due to frequent histories of trauma among clients, research into therapeutic treatment involved a review of mindfulness interventions for those who have experienced trauma. The writer then created a mindfulness mandala art therapy group, aiming …

Creating Connection: Group Expressive Arts Therapy With Incarcerated Women, María Luisa Santamaría

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The lived experience of incarceration isolates, disconnects, and retraumatizes women. Correctional mental health services fall short of adequately accounting for the pervasive histories of trauma and victimization that characterize the lives of most women prior to arrival in prison. The immediacy of the need to address this issue is underscored by steadily climbing rates of incarceration for women. The expressive arts are uniquely suited to the correctional environment wherein they provide alternative outlets for emotional expression, often stigmatized and perceived as unsafe. This research explored the use of a group expressive arts therapy method integrating psychodrama, visual art and collaborative …

Leading The Play: Development Of A Method Supporting Expression And Control With Adults With Dementia, Victoria Green

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper explores the concept of client-led play with older adults with dementia and its possible impact on an individual’s ability to express enjoyment and sense of control. Expressive arts therapy is explored as a possible natural vehicle for providing client-led play groups to older adults with dementia. While research is limited regarding client-led play specifically, there has been significant research supporting the use of the creative arts with individuals with dementia, as it provides opportunities for non-verbal expression and spontaneous creativity. This paper argues that the arts have a natural connection to play through the use of the imagination …

Community Art Installation As An Approach To Art Therapy: A Community Engagement, Abigail Thompson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this thesis capstone paper, I advocate for a community art installation as an ethical and engaging way to approach art therapy. I argue that this approach may blur the lines between art therapy, art education and arts activism, but it is a powerful and anti-oppressive way to facilitate healing in marginalized communities. I found this approach furthered my understanding of what it means to be a competent and ethical art therapist. I also found it empowered art therapy group members and made them active facilitators of change in their lives and their communities. Observing the success of this project …

Assisting Elders With Dementia In Residential Settings Through Music Therapy: A Literature Review, Benjamin Burke

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dementia is one of the most prevalent diagnoses for elders causing strain and debilitation of their social, mental, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological faculties. Due to the nature of this condition, treatments for dementia have been structured to aid and improve the well-being and quality of life for those afflicted. Some of the goals that assisted-living services establish include reducing anxiety, increasing levels of comfort, improving mood, memory care and bettering verbal processing. Music therapy has been an intervention that assists with establishing these goals and implementing strategies resulting in short-term and long-term effects for those receiving treatment for dementia. …

Art Therapy Blossoms: Developing Floral Design In Art Therapy For Adults With Anxiety, Katharine Lagreze

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The aim of this research is to explore the relationship of floral design principles and art therapy. My central concern started around adults who are not treated, undiagnosed, and who are in pre or post treatment for anxiety disorders and comorbid disorders. Literature supports the use of nature-based materials used in art therapy treatments of specific populations. A therapeutic community engagement project for adults with anxiety was explored which transformed into a developed method for an expressive therapies group for adults diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. Behavioral and cultural community theoretical stances, as well as clinical experiences, and personal and …

A Laughing Matter: Transforming Trauma Through Therapeutic Humor And Expressive Arts Therapy, Alison M. Landoni

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Humor and trauma share two characteristics: they are both perspectival in nature and hold incongruity at their core, however, their impacts are profoundly different for the perceiver. As humor and laughter open one’s psyche and invite positive social exchanges, trauma produces more dissociative, dysregulated and dysfunctional interactions. While fundamental to interpersonal experiences, there has been limited research about the use of humor and laughter as essential tools within the mental health therapeutic alliance. Neurological research and case studies have shown that humor and laughter can have hormonal, physiological and psychological benefits. Due to the perspectival nature of humor and trauma, …

Queering Music Therapy: Literature Review Of Queer Music Therapy And Music Therapy Education, Eva M. Steward

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis presents current research on the queer (LGBTQ+) community and music therapy. Research on the education of music therapists in working with queer identified clients and patients as well as the current theories and recommendations when providing affirming music therapy for queer clients and patients is discussed. Queer theory is defined and its relationship to psychotherapy, expressive arts therapies, and music therapy is explored. This research shows that even though there is a current push for music therapists to create an affirming and therapeutic environment with queer clients and patients, there is a lack of research, education, and …

Patterned Sensory Enhancement-Based Interventions In An Acute Rehabilitation Setting: Development Of A Method, Lionel Cheong

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Constraint-induced therapy (CIT) or Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is used in rehabilitation to improve upper extremity function in patients who suffer from brain injuries, such as stroke or cerebral palsy. By engaging in repetitive exercises and increasing the use of the affect area of the upper extremity, the brain develops a change in neural pathways that helps recover the use of limbs by these patients. Unfortunately, one of the main limitations of CIT is the low compliance with patients involved in CIT, due to the stopping of use of compensation strategies, and the intensity and duration of the treatment, especially …

Solution Focused Brief Expressive Arts Therapy, David Sherman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This graduate capstone thesis paper and project proposes a new therapeutic intervention called Solution-Focused Brief Expressive Arts Therapy (SFBExAT). This intervention and approach is based on the synthesized theories, techniques, and principles of Expressive Arts Therapy (ExAT) and Solution- Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). A review of relevant literature on the combined use of SFBT, ExAT and expressive therapies, as well as on the foundational literature of the individual theories establishes conceptual grounds for a SFBExAT model. A SFBExAT intervention is developed and explained. The intervention was ultimately applied in a hospital outpatient setting with a teenage client. The process, results …

Literature Review On Urban Trauma And Applying A Trauma-Informed Approach, Ashley Corazon

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Within the United States, there are millions of people living in urban cities. Cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This thesis capstone project is a literature review on the trauma that is experienced by the youth residing in those urban communities and the effects it has on their bodies and minds. This level of continuous trauma develops in children as complex trauma and disrupts a child’s mental, social, emotional and educational development. This change in trajectory puts these children on a path that can result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, substance abuse, involvement with the …

Observing, Understanding, And Treating Disordered Attachment Patterns: A Dance Movement Therapy Perspective, Arika Schultz

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review discusses attachment patterns formed in infancy and its implications for early childhood development and later life functioning. The impact of attachment patterns on the quality of a child’s interpersonal relationship, body action tendencies, emotion regulation and fear response patterns are explored. The attachment process as facilitator of these patterns is revealed as well as the disruption of healthy and adaptive attachment bonds as predictors of psychopathologies. Healthy neuropsychobiological development is shown to be facilitated by the nonverbal communications between the right brains of the mother-infant dyad. Mismatching in these nonverbal communications are shown to thwart the child’s …

Empowering The Plus Size Body Using Dance As Therapy, Ashley Sampson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In Western society, having the “ideal” body image and size is a societal issue. It is advertised throughout media outlets that the “ideal” body is what should be desired, and any other body type is “abnormal”. This capstone thesis focused on the effectiveness of dance as therapy and changing the perspectives of all body types, to support and empower all bodies including plus-sized bodies. The use of individual interviews, in an open dialogue model, with a select few members (3) of Soul thru Sole, including the CEO of the dance company; which focuses on empowering women no matter their age, …

Re-Assemblage Of Self: Visual Art Journaling For Clients With Cumulative Trauma, Jenna Desmond

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Expressive art therapists work with a variety of diagnoses, including trauma-related disorders. Individuals who have experienced two or more traumatic experiences throughout their life can be defined as cumulative trauma, which causes increased risks for psychological and physical health issues. The creative journal is a modality within the expressive therapies that can be tailored to a variety of clients. The intervention utilizes imagery to facilitate the identification of feelings and inner communication with ourselves. Creative journaling has been used with a variety of treatment populations, including adolescents, students, and adults. To explore the effectiveness of this intervention with this treatment …

The Ineffectiveness Of Peacekeeping And The Absence Of Crucial Peacebuilding Initiatives In The Kashmiri And Northern Irish Conflicts, Alexandra Stephanie Brennan

Senior Theses

The presence of peacekeepers, whether they are mandated by the international community or used internally by a sovereign nation, has a limited effect on the ability to achieve a lasting peace and may even function as an obstacle, as seen through a comparative study of the conflicts in Kashmir and Northern Ireland. Because of this, they are of limited utility as the final step towards a society that has reconciled with its past conflict due to the fact that the peacekeepers (efforts work towards short-term peace) do not act as peacebuilders (efforts work towards long-term peace). The regions of Kashmir …

Make Orwell Fiction Again: Authoritarian Regimes' Use Of Surveillance Technology In China And Russia, Nora Mahon Wheelehan

Senior Theses

This thesis demonstrates how different models of authoritarianism rely on surveillance technology as a part of the state’s capacity. Specifically, I look at the technology based mechanisms employed by China and Russia in their efforts to regulate their population and ensure their durability based on their historical ideology of surveillance. In the comparison of the two states, I demonstrate how the differences in the scope of their efforts reflects China’s long term authoritarian stability in contrast with Russia’s political turbulence. The two regimes have similar historical origins, nontax revenue structures, and political institutions, whereas they differ in their state’s capacity …

Nordic And American Social Capital And Its Effects On Climate Change Adaptation, Lara Heard

Senior Theses

The Nordic nations often rank among the most climate-prepared countries in the world, especially in regards to their rapid switch to renewable energy. In contrast, climate change legislation has faced an uphill battle in the United States, where environmentalists and activists meet with climate change denialism and widespread reluctance to change energy consumption habits. This thesis argues that the gap between American and Nordic adaptation arises in large part from difference in social capital. I n the United States, a recent decline in social trust and increase in individualism endanger adaptation efforts, creating a culture of consumerism and widespread reluctance …

The Revelation Effect In Autobiographical Memory, Vincent A. Medina

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The revelation effect is a memory illusion in recognition memory where items are more likely to be considered old if they are immediately preceded by a cognitive task (for a review, see Abfalg, Bernstein, & Hockley, 2017). Recent research has shown that the revelation effect appears in past and future episodic judgments so long as the tasks are autobiographical in nature (Westerman, Miller, & Lloyd, 2017). Aging is a factor that has not yet been studied in the revelation effect literature in terms of autobiographical memory. It has implications because of aging’s significant impact on mental time travel. During this …