iDEA Collection: Health Sciences Theses and Dissertations

An Art Therapy Intervention with African-American Male Adolescents Assessed with a Depressive Diagnosis

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:46:13 GMT

Title: An Art Therapy Intervention with African-American Male Adolescents Assessed with a Depressive Diagnosis

Authors: Larkin, Deborah A

Abstract: This study examined the impact of art therapy intervention over the course of eight individual sessions with one adolescent African-American male at an Approved Private School. This research was conducted after having found little research and resources pertaining to art therapy interventions with African-American male adolescents assessed with a depressive diagnosis such as Major Depression, Bipolar I Disorder or Dysthymic Disorder. The design of this study was conducted through a single subject design in ABA format. The participant was given a pre and post-test measure in sessions one and eight, using the Children’s Depression Inventory scale to assess his level of depressive symptomatology. Sessions two through seven included individualized art therapy and goal-oriented art therapy directives. The subject who participated in this study was a 16-year-old African-American male diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder. The results of the pre and post-test Children’s Depression Inventory were recorded, the individual art therapy session notes were presented and the artwork created in each session was analyzed. Even though he scored low and not within statistically significant ranges in both the pre and post-test, the findings suggest that there was an increase in depressive symptomatology suggesting that art therapy aided this participant in self-exploration and less regression in his responses. Despite his increase in depressive symptomatology, the results of this study suggest that individual art therapy had some positive effects on his understanding of his persona, self-esteem, coping skills and depressive affect. With increased number of sessions, this and other areas may increase his understanding of these aspects.

Postural Learning during Practice of a Sequential Reaching Task

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:42:27 GMT

Title: Postural Learning during Practice of a Sequential Reaching Task

Authors: Galgon, Anne K

Abstract: This research used a motor learning paradigm to examine postural control during practice of a sequential reaching task. Fourteen young healthy adults practiced a sequential (serial) reaching task 300 times over three sessions and returned after a two-day rest interval for retention and transfer testing. Postural control was examined at three levels of skill acquisition: the action, the movement and the neuromotor processing levels. The levels were measured as 1) relative postural stability (action-goal level) with Time to Boundary (TtB) from center of pressure data, 2) postural movement strategies with Mean Absolute Relative Phase (MARP) and Deviation Phase (DP) of joint kinematic relationships, and 3) postural neuromotor strategies with percent of time activation in posterior postural muscles (%BFMG activation). The focal action-goal of the task (hand accuracy and consistency) was also examined to detect differences in explicit versus implicit learning processes. The results showed within and between session differences in hand accuracy and consistency, anterior TtB, and % BFMG activation. Both explicit and implicit learning processes were implicated while acquiring the focal action-goal and more gradual implicit learning processes were used when acquiring the postural action-goal and neuromotor processing level of postural control skill. After the retention interval, hand consistency, relative postural stability and percent of posterior muscle activation was maintained in two recall conditions. However, hand accuracy was retained only in the cued recall condition and not in the free recall condition. Hand accuracy, hand consistency and relative postural stability generalized to two transfer tasks where an alternative arm configuration of the practiced task was performed, however, transfer performance partially degraded in a generalizability test with a novel sequence. Percent of muscle activation was similar in all of the transfer tasks. No significant effects were found for postural movement strategies across practice, which limited the interpretation of the retention and transfer results. This research supports the concept that the postural system is learning to adjust to task specific constraints within the serial reaching task. The findings may have implications for understanding postural learning in individuals with balance deficits and for designing interventions to improve postural control during the performance of functional activities.

The Effect of Dance/Movement Therapy on Incidences of Aggression and Levels of Empathy in a Private School for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:30:27 GMT

Title: The Effect of Dance/Movement Therapy on Incidences of Aggression and Levels of Empathy in a Private School for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Authors: Lanzillo, Alexis Anne

Abstract: The hypothesis for this thesis is: The Dance/Movement Therapy program “Disarming the Playground, Violence Prevention through Movement and ProSocial Skills” will reduce aggression and increase empathy in children ages 8-12 years among children enrolled at an approved private school for children with emotional and behavioral problems. The effectiveness of this curriculum had not previously been examined in a school for children with emotional and behavioral disturbances. The research design was a quasi-experimental single subject design with 2 children, with an ABA design (Mertens, 2004). Both children were African American males, ages 8 and 9, diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Child 1 carried a co-morbid diagnosis of Learning Disorder NOS, and Child 2, with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. This study included a two week initial baseline, four week intervention phase, and two one week post-intervention baselines. Quantitative data were collected six times using the Teacher Forms of the Child Behavior Checklist and the Social Skills Rating System. Qualitative data were collected through Green Tree Lower School progress notes. Major quantitative findings showed a decrease in Total Problem Behaviors for both children on both assessments. Total Social Skills scores on the SSRS decreased in both children. Common themes in qualitative data included engaging in positive, trusting relationships, self-awareness, and group cohesion. Disarming the Playground is a curriculum designed for “normal” and “at-risk” children in public schools, as a preventative measure for violence and aggression. The participants were not able to appropriately function in a public school. As the Disarming the Playground curriculum is designed to be used in total, and sequential order, choosing only specific activities to utilize proved to be a challenge for the participants. If the entire curriculum was to be implemented, there may have been an increase in social skills and empathy levels, and a lasting impact on both variables of aggression and empathy.

Retrospective Reflection through Movement: The Young Adult Female's Perspective on the Adolescent Experience of Living with a Mother's Breast Cancer Illness

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:53:51 GMT

Title: Retrospective Reflection through Movement: The Young Adult Female's Perspective on the Adolescent Experience of Living with a Mother's Breast Cancer Illness

Authors: Verbanc, Jessica Marie

Abstract: The limited research looking at parental cancer and it’s affects on adolescent females has shown that adolescent females whose mothers have breast cancer may be especially vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and body image disruptions (Brown et al., 2007; Compas et al., 1994). This thesis uses a phenomenological research design to understand the adolescent female’s experience of a mother’s breast cancer and how she perceives its impact on her own development. The study investigates this experience through the reflections of adult women who were adolescents at the time of their mother’s breast cancer illness. The study facilitates the participants’ access to and reflection on their experiences through a dance/ movement workshop. The researcher followed the workshop with individual in-depth interviews, in which participants were asked to recall their adolescent experience as well as their current lived movement understanding of this experience. Results showed that participants shared common ground in the arenas in which the essence of their experiences of mother’s breast cancer occurred. However, the essence of each participant’s experience involved its own unique dimension. Communication between mother and daughter, body image, family dynamics, and control were important components to the participants’ experience. The researcher was interested in applying this understanding to the development of a dance/ movement therapy (DMT) support group model for adolescents whose mothers have breast cancer.

The Experience of Younger Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Involved in Dance/Movement Therapy with Regards to Body Image and Sexuality

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:50:51 GMT

Title: The Experience of Younger Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Involved in Dance/Movement Therapy with Regards to Body Image and Sexuality

Authors: Pilarski, Diana Jean

Abstract: This mixed method, multiple case study, explored the experience of younger women diagnosed with breast cancer involved in dance/movement therapy (DMT) regarding body image and sexuality. A breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment side effects have a significant impact on an individuals’ view of body image and sexuality, especially among younger women. Prior research in the field of DMT, has studied psychological and physical effects the therapy may provide for the breast cancer population. Currently, there are no published studies examining a woman’s experience of DMT, or how her experience relates to emotional, cognitive and physical functioning. Nor has prior research used objective, subjective and observational measures to study specifically, the experience of body image and/or sexuality in younger women per se. The present study attempts to fill a gap in research, by including both objective and subjective data, as well as cross correlating movement data with other measures. Using a mixed methods design is important because it allows the researcher to gather more information to create an overall, deeper understanding of the phenomena being studied. Two 42-year-old women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer participated in a two-day, DMT workshop. Each workshop day was four hours long and included body image and sexuality-specific interventions. A pre and post workshop self-report and observation using the Serlin Kinaesthetic Imagery Profile (SKIP) Part I and Part II scale were used to gather information concerning body image. Journaling and field notes were used to gather information about both individual’s experience of DMT, body image and sexuality. The two individual cases were analyzed for similarities and contrasts between the SKIP Part I, the SKIP Part II, journal entries and field notes. Cross case comparison showed that both participants shared similar as well as unique experiences related to body image, sexuality, DMT and related constructs.

The Multicultural Education of Art Therapists and How They Develop A Multicultural Identity: A Literature Based Study

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:48:16 GMT

Title: The Multicultural Education of Art Therapists and How They Develop A Multicultural Identity: A Literature Based Study

Authors: Ellis, Elizabeth Vail

Abstract: The objective of this study was to understand the current status of counselor, creative arts therapist and art therapist multicultural education—specifically student development of personal multicultural identity; and to propose an educational intervention tool to aid in the advancement of art therapy student multicultural identity development. Information that was analyzed describing the population of the United States, racism, societal oppression, race and counseling, multicultural counseling education and creative arts therapy education informed a presentation of literature about art therapy education as it relates to self-education and specific methods of instruction in counseling and art therapy education. The investigation helped develop the experiential art task proposed in the discussion chapter. The major findings of this literature-based study include a collection of criticism about multicultural education of counselors within the context of a pluralistic society. Current literature suggests that more multicultural education leads to more developed multicultural counseling competency. Literature emphasizes multicultural identity development and its critical role in the ability of a professional to competently practice multicultural counseling. This study encountered several limitations bound by the type and amount of research available involving counseling, creative arts therapy and art therapy multicultural education. The scope of this thesis limits the depth of exploration of other forms of social identity, and has investigated racism and counseling in detail. Also, possible inadvertent omission of some pertinent literature by the researcher must be included. No one has an objective point of view when talking about race So the literature reviewed and opinions presented in this study are shaped by inherent bias because this is a society and world where everyone is racially situated (Miller & Garran, 2008).

The Effect of Pelvic Floor Re-education on Comfort In Women Having Surgery for Urinary Incontinence

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:50:19 GMT

Title: The Effect of Pelvic Floor Re-education on Comfort In Women Having Surgery for Urinary Incontinence

Authors: Zaccardi, Joan E.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a pelvic floor re-education intervention on comfort and stress urinary incontinence in women opting for surgical correction and to explore the patient’s feelings regarding the ease and benefit of attending the pelvic floor re-education intervention. The following research hypotheses were tested: H1 = comfort scores will increase across time and amount of urine leaks will decrease across time in women having surgery for stress urinary incontinence. H2 = women in the pelvic floor re-education intervention group will have greater comfort as compared to women in the control group who do not have the pelvic floor re-education intervention and H3 = women in the pelvic floor re-education intervention group will have less stress incontinence as compared to women in the control group who do not have the pelvic floor re-education intervention. Stress urinary incontinence is a significant women’s health problem because of its prevalence, cost and social implications. Current treatment strategies consist of pelvic floor re-education, behavior modification or surgical correction. Surgery for stress urinary incontinence yields a high objective cure. However, many women indicate dissatisfaction with surgical outcome related to voiding dysfunction and discomfort. Therefore, comfort is a nursing goal that can be used as a holistic outcome measurement in women having surgery for stress incontinence. This was a preliminary exploratory study using a quasi-experimental mixed model design. Twenty-eight women scheduled for corrective surgery for stress urinary incontinence were randomly assigned to the control and treatment groups. Subjects were measured at three time points on comfort and stress urinary incontinence. The primary statistical analysis was mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results from the Greenhouse-Geisser corrected mixed model ANOVA revealed that only the main effect of time was significant for differences in comfort scores. Knowledge gained from this study can be used to direct further research. A larger study with adequate sample size and power will contribute to the advancement of nursing science and may translate into improved patient outcomes in the practice settings.

Social Interaction Within A Series Of Dance/Movement Therapy Modified Ce´ilı´ Dance Sessions: A Group Case Study

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:34:54 GMT

Title: Social Interaction Within A Series Of Dance/Movement Therapy Modified Ce´ilı´ Dance Sessions: A Group Case Study

Authors: Draper, Paige Lindsley

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to understand the connection of dance form, social interaction, and social experience among participants within a series of dance/movement therapy (DMT) modified Ce´ilı´ dance sessions. The researcher was interested in the implications of this study for the practice of DMT. This study was a qualitative instrumental single group case study design which investigated the social interactions and experiences of participants engaged in learning and practicing an Irish Ce´ilı´ dance. The researcher recruited 6 fitness club members to participate in four DMT modified Ce´ilı´ dance sessions lasting one hour each. The researcher also served as instructor in teaching The Fairy Reel, an Irish Ce´ilı´ dance to research participants. Three forms of data collection were used. The first described the dance as it was practiced by participants through a dance style analysis. The second was the instructor/researcher’s notes which documented her observations and experiences of interactional events during each of the dance sessions. The third was an audio-recorded, semi-structured group interview conducted by the instructor/researcher following the final dance session which inquired about participants’ social experience over the course of the dance sessions. Findings suggested that the DMT modified Ce´ilı´ dance sessions appeared to support social interaction and the development of social relationships among participants over the duration of the study. A final case narrative integrated and triangulated themes that generated from the three data sources. Some themes that generated were that shared focus and synchronous movement enhanced social connection and The Fairy Reel as a dance form itself encouraged social interaction. Clinical applications included the possibility of how codified steps and sequences may serve a social function in DMT and that Ce´ilı´ dance may provide therapeutic benefits as a natural community support following or during clinical treatment. Further research may involve the exploration of introducing codified steps and various spatial formations into DMT sessions.

Dance/Movement Therapy Support for Children Who Have Witnessed Domestic Violence: Therapist Perspectives

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:28:08 GMT

Title: Dance/Movement Therapy Support for Children Who Have Witnessed Domestic Violence: Therapist Perspectives

Authors: Sorrento, Amy Elizabeth

Abstract: As one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2008), it is important to consider the effects of the violence not only on the victim, but also the unforeseen victims who witness these acts of violence: children. As witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2008), it is important to examine the traumatic effects and therapeutic support for children who have witnessed this trauma. The overall purpose of this survey study is to describe how dance/movement therapists who work with children who have witnessed domestic violence perceive, observe, and understand the issues of these children, the dance/movement therapy process and methods the therapists use to provide therapeutic support. The study employed a survey design in which the researcher interviewed four dance/movement therapists who currently work with children who have witnessed domestic violence. The in-person, audio-recorded interviews were 50 minutes in length and included questions related to common themes as well as characteristic movement patterns observed in the children, structure of the sessions, nature of the therapeutic movement relationship and countertransference. The interview text served as data for the analysis. The common themes that emerged from the observations of the children were aggregated into the three targeted arenas of the research question: movement patterns, methods/techniques, and therapeutic movement relationship. Common themes related to movement patterns were use of Strong Weight , use of Suddenness, lack of coordination, hyperactivity, dissociation and shallow breathing. Commonalities in the techniques implemented by the therapists include instilling boundaries, providing clear structure, working in the here and now, removing obstacles to treatment, and working on gross motor skills. Commonalities in responses for the therapeutic movement relationship are that the relationship is key, the therapist serves as ego strength, and the management of countertransference, along with how impactive and powerful this is. The three emerging themes of the interviews are safety, boundaries, and management of countertransference. These themes are guiding principles for interventions made by the therapist. These themes may be of more importance than the three arenas targeted in the research question. This thesis has provided an opportunity to further investigate the clinical understanding of dance/movement therapists and their work with children who have witnessed domestic violence. The findings of this study conclude that therapists perceive dance/movement therapy to be a supportive and important form of treatment for children who have witnessed domestic violence. The data collected in this study from the interviews will enhance understanding about children who have witnessed domestic violence and dance/movement therapy support for these children.

The Journeys of Homeless Adolescents: A Phenomonological Inquiry into the Lives of Shelter Youth through the Creation of Life Maps

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:51:23 GMT

Title: The Journeys of Homeless Adolescents: A Phenomonological Inquiry into the Lives of Shelter Youth through the Creation of Life Maps

Authors: Greskiewicz, Corinne N.

Abstract: The homeless adolescent population is constantly increasing in numbers and there is a continued need for assessment. Youth without stable living environments need to be a top priority, in terms of social services, as stated by the United States Government; exploring the needs of this population should be an integral part of the development of programs and systems that attempt to break the cycle of homelessness. The objective of this thesis is to explore what it is like to be a homeless adolescent prior to and while currently living in a shelter through the process and content of a life map. Using a life map as an art therapy task and an unstructured interview, this study aims to describe what it is like to be a homeless adolescent through phenomenological inquiry. The life map utilized in this study allowed the adolescent to express and explore his or her own life visually and metaphorically by drawing and creating a map which represents his or her journey. This art therapy task was evaluated in terms of its applicability and relevance to the population. The subjects for this study were recruited at Covenant House Pennsylvania, a crisis shelter for homeless youth between the ages of 18 and 21. Four subjects completed a life map and an interview. The major findings of this study are in the form of a “united statement of the essences of the experience of the phenomenon as a whole” (Moustakas, 1994, p. 100). Overall, the journey of a homeless adolescent is a tumultuous one; these adolescents were easily engaged in life reflection, although not as easily engaged in artwork. The adolescents seemed to prefer writing and verbalization, a finding that was further discussed by the researcher.