Drawing as Self-Expression with Normally Functioning Adults: A 10-week Technique

Author

Deborah L. John, Lesley University

Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

PHD - Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Expressive Therapies

Abstract

In this research study, a sample of normally functioning adults (N = 30) each made a series of small drawings, one each week for 10 weeks. Participants completed two questionnaires about their experiences of making the series. The pre-intervention questionnaire collected demographic information and asked participants to rate their perceived ability to use drawing for self-expression on a Likert scale. The post intervention questionnaire again asked participants to rate their perceived ability to use drawing for self-expression. Results indicated a significant change from pre to post intervention (p = 0.012) in perceived expressive drawing ability. The post intervention questionnaire also collected data about the specific techniques employed. Participants indicated that fun/enjoyment and calming were the most important advantages. The most cited helpful suggestion was that drawing can be used for self-expression. The small size of the drawing cards was rated as the most popular element. Qualitative data supported the idiosyncratic ways that participants used drawing for self-expression. Overall findings provided evidence of the ways that normally functioning adults can be supported to experience and value self-expressive drawing. Within the context of positive psychology this study contributes to research findings about the well being and optimal functioning of participants.

Language

English

Number of Pages

107

Recommended Citation

John, Deborah L., "Drawing as Self-Expression with Normally Functioning Adults: A 10-week Technique" (2012). Expressive Therapies Dissertations. 38.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_dissertations/38