The AIDS Memorial Quilt: Therapeutic Benefits of Panelmaking as an Art Therapy Intervention
Graduation Date
Spring 1995
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
Making a panel for The AIDS Memorial Quilt is an experience common to thousands of individuals dealing with Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) related bereavement. This study evaluates the therapeutic nature of
panelmaking in the grieving process and identifies several therapeutic benefits. Eight males and ten females, ages 12 to 67, were interviewed based on having had a relationship of 2 or more years with a person with AIDS (PWA) and on having created a panel for The Quilt. Demographics collected included personal information, and information on community support and various aspects of the of the relationship with the PWA. Therapeutic benefits were assessed through open-ended questions. Results support panelmaking as a healing intervention and indicate a variety of benefits as related to the use of art therapy for grief intervention.