Date of Award

Spring 5-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Raquel Stephenson

Abstract

This paper highlights the lack of education about production and disposal of art materials within the field of art therapy. Failure to educate clinicians creates ethical problems when hazardous materials are used in sessions unknowingly. This paper is grounded in environmental studies and chemical management to supplement the art therapy field’s lack of research and commentary. The literature is dedicated to educating the reader about the hazardous nature of materials, issues surrounding regulations of chemicals involved in production, and consumerism in relation to waste processing. The research data was collected from a community engagement project: an educational presentation was offered to the Expressive Arts programs’ students and faculty at Lesley University about creating a healthy and safe studio space. The advertisement received positive replies, and several faculty members expressed interest using information in future classes, but only a few participants attended the presentation. The research implies a need for raising awareness within the art therapy field, an increase in educational opportunities, and exploring other options for information accessibility about art materials to inform clinical practice.

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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