Graduation Date

2023

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Project Type

Mixed Methods

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Program

Art Therapy

Program Director

Richard Carolan, PhD, ATR-BC

First Reader

Erin Partridge, PhD, ATR-BC

Second Reader

Lisa Manthe, MFT, ATR-BC

Abstract

This international study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of nature-based art therapy, an innovative approach that combines artmaking with the healing power of nature. The research aimed to examine the synergistic effects of nature and artmaking, as well as the impact of the eco-art experience on adult individuals' connectedness to nature, emotional well-being, and existential understanding, while addressing gaps in literature.

Employing an arts-based research design, participants took part in a nature-art-making session, and their experiences were evaluated through pre- and post-art questionnaires, as well as an analysis of their artistic creations by trained inter-raters. The nature art-based experience served as both the intervention and assessment, using participants' artwork and experiences to gain insights into the effects of eco-art therapy and the application of eco-arts in nature forest therapy.

The findings of this study highlight the transformative potential of eco-art therapy in fostering personal growth, emotional well-being, mindfulness, bodyfulness, environmental awareness, and expanding the scope of artistic expression and connection to nature. By exploring the intersection between art and nature, participants were able to create meaningful experiences that transcended traditional artistic boundaries and fostered a deeper understanding of themselves and their surroundings.

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