Date of Award

Spring 5-16-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Wendy Allen, PhD, LPC, BC-DMT

Second Advisor

Maia Monteagudo, LMHC, REAT

Abstract

Research shows that the violent nature of homicide and the extreme lethality of firearms in conflict lead to increased psychological impairment for survivors and communities affected. Black and Latinx communities are disproportionately affected by gun violence, yet are historically underresearched and underserved. Social constraints and systemic negligence complicate and stigmatize the bereavement process. This literature review examined culturally relevant grief practices, theories and components of meaning-making (MM) post-loss, and Expressive arts interventions for facilitating meaning, safety, and reconnection for survivors, through an intersection of race, ethnicity, gender, and age. Cumulative research shows that MM can help individuals experiencing complicated grief (CG) through (1) continuing connection with the deceased, (2) finding unintentional benefits post-loss, (3) increased social support, (4) adaptations in self-identity and relationships, (5) spiritual, religious and existential coping, and through (6) advocacy, intentional action, and memorialization of their murdered loved one. Expressive arts interventions are liberatory by nature, culturally inclusive, and facilitate MM through non-verbal processing, fostering community engagement and empowering survivors to advocate for changes that both honor their deceased loved one and support the reconstruction of purpose and meaning.

Creative Commons License

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

Additional Files
ASH THESIS APPROVAL FORM -ExAT.docx (13 kB)
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