A Literature Review of Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy for Bereaved Children

Author

Wendy Dalton, Lesley UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-18-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Rebecca Zarate

Abstract

There is a need for increased visibility of child bereavement to expand research in and accessibility of developmentally appropriate supports, which views the child holistically and within their biopsychosocial context. Worden’s (1996) formative work with child bereavement resulting in the "tasks" of child bereavement was the first and most recent study of its scale and kind. This marked an affirming of grief as normative response to death and occurring throughout the developmental lifespan. This work also highlights the need for additional inquiry to expand and deepen understanding of child bereavement. A growing body of research suggests that ecotherapy and expressive arts therapy offer effective models that are trauma informed, adaptable, and developmentally appropriate (Atkins, Snyder, 2018; Berger, Mcleod, 2006; Buzzell, Chalquist, 2009; Hinz, 2009). An approach that integrates both may be ideal for bereaved children existing across a continuum of care needs – from PTSD treatment to community awareness and preventative care. Applications, limitations, and areas for further inquiry are discussed.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Dalton, Wendy, "A Literature Review of Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy for Bereaved Children" (2019). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 129.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/129