The Effect and Experience of Clearing a Space with Art on Stress Reduction in Sign Language Interpreters
Graduation Date
Fall 2010
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
Lisa Bjerknes, MD, MBA
First Reader
Laury Rappaport, PhD, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Richard Carolan, EdD, ATR-BC
Abstract
Interpreters report higher levels of stress than other individuals involved in practice professions. This study hypothesized that Clearing a Space with Art, a Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy approach (Rappaport, 2009) would lead to measurable as well as perceived decreases in stress. Three variations to Clearing a Space with Art were used: concrete, directive, and non-directive. Participants expressed a preference for the non-directive approach. Measurable stress did decrease, although not markedly. At the same time, participants reported perceived reductions in stress, centered around themes of pleasure and relaxation in art-making, and an overall sense of physical and psychological well-being.