Images of the Self: A Literature Review Exploring the Use of Altered Book Making with Adolescent Girls with Anxiety and Depression

Author

Erica McCracken, Lesley UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-17-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MAE - Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Donna Owens

Abstract

The aim of this capstone thesis is to explore the use of altered books with adolescent girls as a form of treatment for anxiety and depression. It first looks at existing literature to ascertain reasons for the higher prevalence of mental health challenges in girls than boys. Various case examples are presented as evidence for the efficacy of altered books in art therapy. The use of art therapy is explored with girls with low self-esteem and body image issues, the beneficial qualities of group art therapy, and altered book making as a means for treatment. The review of literature and discussion in this capstone thesis suggest that altered book making has the potential to be a suitable and effective treatment for adolescent girls with anxiety and depression.

Creative Commons License

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

Recommended Citation

McCracken, Erica, "Images of the Self: A Literature Review Exploring the Use of Altered Book Making with Adolescent Girls with Anxiety and Depression" (2019). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 228.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/228