Graduation Date

Summer 2022

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

Fahad Alfahed, PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the impact of silk-screen printing as an art therapy intervention on psychological aspects in Saudi family caregivers of children with cancer. The sample population was mothers (n = 30) from different regions of Saudi Arabia. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during a single art therapy session and was assessed by a self-reported survey. The art therapy provided significant improvements pre and post-treatment in terms of mood, coping skills, improved energy, raised self-esteem, diverting attention from current problems, and feeling hopeful. Cultural issues related to art therapy in Saudi Arabia were addressed. Implications include implementing art therapy in Saudi hospitals for family and professional caregivers. Further research suggestions include concentrating on a single art therapy technique to produce immediate results.

IRB Number

S2019-739

Available for download on Friday, June 20, 2025

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