Resolving Interpersonal Conflict Using an Art Therapy forgiveness Intervention
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
Caroline Morton, LMFT, ATR-BC
Abstract
The purpose of this research study was to investigate whether specific art therapy interventions can change a person's perspective and facilitate a forgiveness process as a way to resolve interpersonal conflict. There were 32 participants ranging in age from 18 to 64, selected on the basis of current experience of interpersonal conflict. Participants varied in gender identity and in the nature and intensity of the conflict experienced. Forgiveness is defined as (a) a reduction in negative feelings and thoughts, such as anger and the perception of injustice; and (b) an increase in an individual’s degree of self-efficacy. There was a significant decrease in participants’ levels of anger and hurt between the pre-test and the post-test, indicating an increase in forgiveness. Levels of self-efficacy increased as well, although the findings were not significant. The artwork displayed both the participants’ improving ability to recognize self-subjugating narratives and their efforts to change such narratives into new behavioral patterns.