Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Raquel Stephenson

Abstract

This study explores how narrative-informed art therapy supports identity, emotional expression, and social connection among older adults living with early-stage dementia. Traditional talk-based therapies often rely on verbal communication and memory recall, which can limit their effectiveness for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Art therapy offers a nonverbal, sensory, and visual modality that allows for expression beyond language, while narrative therapy emphasizes meaning-making, identity, and the reauthoring of personal stories. Using a qualitative, narrative-informed art therapy approach, this study followed one older adult diagnosed with early-stage dementia across five sessions involving art-based directives and reflective dialogue. Data was collected through session notes, observations, and art-based reflections, and analyzed thematically. Findings suggest that integrating narrative therapy with art therapy supports identity reconstruction through symbolic expression and autobiographical storytelling, while also fostering emotional expression and moments of social connection. Artmaking functioned as a bridge between internal experiences and external expression, allowing the participant to explore continuity of self despite cognitive changes. These findings highlight the potential of narrative-informed art therapy as a meaningful and adaptable intervention in dementia care, emphasizing identity, agency, and relational connection.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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