Defining Self Through Symbol: A Psychological Analysis of the Cinderella Fairy Tale
Graduation Date
Summer 2003
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
Lizbeth Martin, PhD
First Reader
Richard Carolan, EdD, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Carolee Stabno, PsyD, MFT
Abstract
This historical research paper focuses on the metaphoric material in the Cinderella fairytale as a representation of the individuation process which parallels the symbolic work of art therapy.
Both art therapy and fairy tales utilize imagery, the language of the unconscious, to integrate the unconscious with the conscious, the ultimate goal of psychological maturation.
Through a synthesis of Jungian theory and Object Relations theory, the fairytale will be analyzed in an effort to bridge collective symbolic material to individual understanding and maturation, the purpose and value of art therapy.
This study adds to the field of art therapy, the relevance of symbolic work as a means to achieve self-realization.