Perceived Effectiveness of Allopathic, Naturopathic, and Art Therapies for Treatign Adult Anxiety and Depression: A Comparative Analysis
Graduation Date
Spring 2015
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
Jennifer Harrison, PsyD, DAAETS, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Carol Melberg, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC
Abstract
The objective of this study is to understand if allopathic, naturopathic, and art therapies have different perceived effectiveness in treating adult anxiety and depression. 136 participants completed a survey online. The survey asked participants quantitative information such as demographic, clinical experiences, the effectiveness of treatment(s) used, and side effects related to these treatment(s). Qualitative information was also used which helped support quantitative findings on perceived effectiveness of treatment. Results of the study found highly statistical significant difference between art therapy and other forms of naturopathic therapies. Art therapy as a treatment was considered more effective than other naturopathic therapies in treating affective disturbances (depression, anxiety or both). No significant difference was found in the efficacy of naturopathic versus allopathic therapy in treating affective disturbances. The findings of this study suggest the data may be helpful for the general public and professionals in the field in understanding the effectiveness of art therapy as a treatment for adult anxiety and depression.