Graduation Date

2022

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Project Type

Qualitative Study

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

Sarah Kremer, PhD, ATR-BC

Abstract

In this study, the researcher examined if the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted individuals to reprioritize their emotional needs in intimate relationships. As a result of reprioritizing intimate relationship needs, the researcher also examined whether intentional dating increased within an individual. Furthermore, the researcher explored the use of photography to illuminate an individual's relationship satisfaction and motivation for dating. Asking these questions can help to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted intimate dating relationships and how dating trends may have shifted. It further explores how photography can also be used as a research tool as well as a therapeutic tool in the field of Art Therapy. To better understand and explore the research questions, this qualitative study consisted of four parts. Participants completed a general demographic survey, the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-16), a retrospective survey, and a prompted photography activity. A qualitative analysis of the results of this study revealed COVID-19 positively influenced participants' dating intentions. Furthermore, a positive relationship between dating intentionality and relationship satisfaction was also observed. Lastly, the results of this study demonstrate that individuals can express their relationship satisfaction or intentions through photography when given the necessary reflective tools, such as prompts and follow-up questions.

IRB Number

11058

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