Peppermint Patty as a Possible Illustration of a Right-Brain-Dominant Child
Graduation Date
Fall 1981
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
Using Peppermint Patty, a cartoon character created by Charles Schulz, the idea of there existing two distinct modes of consciousness, with individuals habitually becoming predisposed to one mode over the other, is researched and discussed. Data from experiments on split brain patients is included to substantiate the differences in function between the left hemisphere and right hemisphere of the brain, current social, cultural, and educational domination by the left-brain mode of consciousness is examined and challenged. The resultant undermining of the right- brain mode of consciousness is explored with comic illustrations featuring Peppermint Patty in today's typical school system, and techniques are offered for use of the right hemisphere to facilitate learning. It is concluded that the overwhelming dominance of the left-brain context in human affairs has far reaching ramifications and that acknowledgement of the value of right-brain functions is essential for restoring balance. It is also concluded that further research is necessary to prove the supposition of habitual hemisphere preference in cognition of individuals, and this research is whole heartedly encouraged.