Fostering Self-Esteem in Adolescent with Epidermolysis Bullosa: Group Art Therapy in Summer Camp
Graduation Date
Spring 2011
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
The purpose of this grant proposal is to request funding to support the development of an art therapy support group for siblings of children living with chronic illness at USeb. Adolescents living with Epidermolysis Bullosa often live with the negative impact that their disability has on their self esteem. They are particularly vulnerable to a number of difficulties with adaptation including depression, anxiety, sadness and social isolation. Adolescents of this population are rarely offered an outlet for expression of their feelings. An art therapy support group is designed to support adolescents with Epidermolysis Bullosa, ages 13-18 in coping with feelings stemming from their illness. The group will be held concurrently with a week long summer camp the adolescent attends. The grant hypothesizes that a one week group art therapy intervention with adolescents in a summer camp setting will improve their self-esteem.