Longing for Beloning
Graduation Date
Spring 2016
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Degree Granting Institution
Notre Dame de Namur University
Program Name
Art Therapy
Dean
John Lemmon, PhD
First Reader
Amy Backos, PhD, ATR-BC
Abstract
This mixed-methods research project exhumed the therapeutic benefits of random acts of kindness utilizing art in heightening social connectedness and sense of belonging in women. Life satisfaction, happiness, physical well-being and mental health become missing elements resulting in conditions where empathy and compassion are absent. Random acts of kindness are of benefit in providing a social environment and can increase the feeling of belongingness. Researchers evaluated effects of three consecutive random acts of kindness within a week and incorporating art making to visualize the kind acts on increasing social connectedness. Pre and post-tests were given to measure change in the level of empathy and compassion; these results were not significant. The qualitative data including participants’ artwork and journals were analyzed through interpretive analysis to search for themes. Qualitative data revealed that the opportunity to exhibit kind acts in action and depiction increased participants’ belongingness and social connectedness. Further research is suggested to develop more tools in art therapy related to kind acts and social connectedness.