An art therapy approach to increase the self-esteem of Latina pre-adolescent girls using narrative therapy

<p>Research has shown that the transition from childhood to adolescence (pre-adolescence) is a period of time with increased psychological problems, especially for girls (Moksnes & Espnes, 2012). Self-esteem begins to drop in girls in pre-adolescence and further declines in adolescence (Hartz & Thick, 2005). Latina pre-adolescents face even more challenges to their self-esteem. Physical appearance is a major factor to self-esteem, especially for girls and women. Females in particular, who establish self-esteem evaluations solely on physical appearance are especially at risk for low self-esteem. Low self-esteem has been linked to a variety of psychological problems including eating disorders and body dissatisfaction. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate if narrative art therapy in a group setting would increase the self-esteem of Latina pre-adolescent girls (ages 10-12). It was anticipated the process of creating art and sharing it with peers would empower participants, increase self-awareness, increase confidence, and foster growth and support. It was hypothesized that after five weeks of narrative art therapy in a group setting the self-esteem of a group of Latina pre-adolescent girls would increase as measured by the Self-Perception Profile for Children (Harter, 2012). Participant’s artwork and group discussions were also analyzed to show increased creativity and support amongst the group members.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Art Therapy

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Barron, Amy

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jennifer Myers, PsyD, ATR-BC,
• Amy Backos, PhD, ATR-BC

• Art Therapy
• Self-Esteem
• LatinX
• Pre-Adolescent Girls
• Body Image
• Narrative Theory
• Art and Design
• Counseling Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.dominican.edu/art-therapy-electronic-theses-2015-2021/2

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.dominican.edu:art-therapy-electronic-theses-2015-2021-1001