The Masks of Mexico: Mexican-American's Relationship With Their Cultural Heritage and Self-Concepts
Graduation Date
Fall 2004
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Degree Granting Institution
Notre Dame de Namur University
Program Name
Art Therapy
Dean
Lizbeth Martin, PhD
First Reader
Richard Carolan, EdD, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Gwen Sanders, MFT, ART-BC
Abstract
The tradition of making and using masks dates back hundreds of years in Mexican culture. The significance of masks in ancient rituals and traditions is not only an important story telling tool but a symbol for Hispanic cultural pride. This study examines the effects of mask making on not only cultural awareness but self concepts. This was measured thru a pretest and posttest. The study was conducted at a public elementary school in Northern California, with a sample of fifth graders ranging from ages 10 thru 11. The results indicate that there was a correlation between cultural attitude and self concept. There was no significant change in cultural attitude or self concept as a result of the treatment.