The Mandalas in the Artwork of the Mentally Ill
Graduation Date
Spring 1987
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
Abstract
This study explores the symbol of the MANDALA in artwork of ten mentally ill patients attending a psychiatric day treatment program. It is the attempt to understand the emotional and spiritual state of consciousness of such patients as it finds expression in the symbol of the MANDALA. The patients’ MANDALA drawings are evaluated on the background of Jung’s (1964, 1972) depth psychology and his findings on MANDALA symbolism as well as Kellogg’s (1978) theories of the MANDALA and color interpretation. The MANDALAS are analyzed under the criteria of choice of color, formal elements, designs and archetypal images presented. The results of the analysis of this study support prior literature and research. (Jung, 1972, Kellogg, 1978, Grof 1986, Shoemaker, 1979)