Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy and Stress Reduction with Veterans Living in Transitional Housing
Graduation Date
Spring 2013
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
John Lemmon, PhD
First Reader
Amy Backos, PhD, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Richard Carolan, EdD, ATR-BC
Abstract
Veterans living in a transitional housing facility participated in an eight-week mindfulness-based art therapy group with the goal to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, as well as increase mindful awareness and well-being.
The results indicated that depression, anxiety and stress reduced over the course of the group and additionally, the veterans reported subjective experience of reduced symptoms and increased coping skills. Present moment awareness increased slightly. Art analysis indicates qualitative changes in the veteran’s self portraits including shifts in energy levels such as increased energy and shifts in mental health status. This research shows promising benefits for teaching veterans to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress by using art therapy and mindfulness.