Graduation Date
2027
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
Jennifer Clay
Abstract
The current study examined the impact of an Armenian textile arts workshop on cultural identity among members of the Armenian diaspora in the Bay Area of California (n = 25). Grounded in relational-cultural theory, it explored how culturally grounded, community-based, traditional art practices may strengthen cultural identity and reduce cultural disconnection resulting from forced displacement following the Armenian Genocide of 1915. A mixed-methods, arts-based design was implemented where participants engaged in an embroidery workshop centered on traditional Armenian textile practices. Data was collected through pre- and post-intervention Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS) scale (Aron, Aron, & Smollan, 1992) as well as pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Pre-intervention analyses showed no significant differences in IOS scores based on participants’ regional heritage or prior knowledge of Armenian textile arts. However, a significant difference was found based on participants’ parental origin of their Armenian identity, with participants who had two Armenian parents reporting stronger baseline cultural identity than those with one Armenian parent. Following the intervention, IOS scores increased significantly across participants, indicating a strengthened perceived connection to one’s Armenian cultural identity. Findings suggest that engagement with traditional textile arts can strengthen cultural identity through gained knowledge of traditional art practices, hands-on art-making, and community interaction. This study highlights the value of culturally-grounded arts-based interventions in supporting cultural identity formation and in fostering belonging within diasporic communities.
IRB Number
11304