Date of Award
Winter 12-8-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Major
Expressive Therapies
First Advisor
Michele Forinash
Second Advisor
Kelvin Ramirez
Third Advisor
Suzanne Haeyen
Abstract
Young adults aged 20-35 experience disproportionately high rates of mental health conditions yet exhibit low treatment-seeking behaviors, creating a significant care gap. Digital interventions—particularly Virtual Reality (VR)—show promise for reaching this tech-savvy group. The primary research question explored art therapists' insights utilizing this modality, while a secondary aim examined whether creating VR response art (VRRA) enhanced understanding of the group process. Three credentialed art therapists and nine young adults participated, sharing insights via interviews after VR group sessions and VRRA creation. Thematic analysis revealed that adaptation to VR influenced group dynamics, self-expression through embodiment, collaboration, boundary management, sensory stimulation, and raised ethical issues. The VRRA process revealed VR’s transformative potential for group art therapy, deepening understanding of spatial, technological, and relational dynamics. Overall, VR presents a viable, engaging modality for young adults who are resistant to conventional interventions.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Cohen, Lidice, "ART THERAPISTS' EXPERIENCE UTILIZING VIRTUAL REALITY’S MULTIBRUSH IN GROUP ART MAKING WITH YOUNG ADULTS." (2025). Expressive Therapies Dissertations. 7.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_dissertation/7
Included in
Art Practice Commons, Art Therapy Commons, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Commons, Psychology Commons
