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
Cheryl Feldman
Abstract
This current study desired to illuminate the connection between social media and body image, as well as determining if art therapy interventions may impact a woman’s self-esteem. An individual’s body-image and self-esteem are very much correlated, as both concepts directly influence one another. Fourteen participants were recruited through social media after meeting the qualifications: being eighteen years old and/or older, identifying as a woman, and being active on social media. A mixed-methods research design was utilized for this research using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative data was obtained through semi structured interviews, participant’s artwork, and reflections on their art. Art-based data was focused on the art assessment of self-portraits and on the art therapy intervention of found poetry with positive affirmations. Quantitative data was obtained through two questionnaires: Self Esteem Scale and the Social Media Appearance Preoccupation Scale. The results from this study illuminate the strong connection between social media and body-image, as well as the impact that art therapy interventions have on self-esteem. Recommendations for future research include broadening the population size, as well as expanding the age range of participants.
IRB Number
11060