Graduation Date

2024

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Project Type

Qualitative Study

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Art Therapy

Program

Art Therapy

Program Director

Lisa Hinz, PhD, ATR-BC

First Reader

Lisa Hinz, PhD, ATR-BC

Second Reader

Amy Backos, PhD, ATR-BC and Arnell Etherington, PhD, MFT, ATR-BIC

Abstract

Processed sugar is highly addictive and associated with chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Often, people know that eating processed sugar has negative health consequences but continue to do so, possibly for emotional reasons. The gap between knowledge and behavior makes treating eating issues difficult. Art therapy is a nonverbal modality and could possibly circumvent usual rationalizations, making it an effective way to bridge the cognitive and emotional aspects of problematic eating. This randomized control, mixed methods study was conducted to examine whether a 7-week art directive program could help people with self-identified problematic eating bridge emotion and cognition, eliciting awareness of eating habits and behaviors. Participants were solicited through online eating issue forums and joined a 7-week group or an individual asynchronous option. The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), Questionnaire on Craving for Sweet or Rich Foods (QCSRF), drawing of relationship with food, and free writing were administered before and after the program. Results showed statistically significant reductions in YFAS symptom and total scores and QCSRF scores after participation. Participants’ post artwork writing showed deeper and more personal reflections from week 1 to week 7. Common themes at week 7 were framed around maternal relationships, trauma, and need for connection as well as increased awareness and understanding of problematic eating habits. Results strongly suggest that art directives can be used to increase awareness of cravings and food addiction and to lessen their impact. A longer course of treatment could possibly facilitate greater change.

Keywords: Art therapy, food addiction, cravings, YFAS, QCSRF

IRB Number

11062

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