Considerations for Implementing Culturally and Ethically Appropriate Short-Term Art Therapy Interventions in Economically-Challenged Countries

• Other Authors: Washington, Brittney (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Arts > Study and teaching
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-9113

In recent decades, rapid globalization has led to an upsurge of interest in global health initiatives. Mental health in particular has received increased focused, as research demonstrates that nearly 14% of the global burden of disease can be attributed to psychological disorders (Macfarlane, Jacobs & Kaaya, 2008). Art therapists are among the increasing number of healthcare professionals traveling to address these needs. However, despite the growing presence of U.S.-trained therapists visiting other countries, clear ethical guidelines for working in these settings are lacking. This absence of parameters creates an ethical dilemma for the field of art therapy: those who lack the skills and resources to provide culturally appropriate treatment in a global context risk negatively affecting the well-being of the populations they serve. The purpose of this study was to develop an initial set of ethical guidelines to inform the practice of art therapists that work and volunteer in economically-challenged countries and regions (ECCs). Art therapists who work abroad and publish on cross-cultural issues were interviewed to develop insight into the experiences of art therapists working in these settings. A survey was then developed and distributed via social media in order to assess the considerations that art therapists should make to offer ethically and culturally appropriate interventions to ECC populations. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were utilized to uncover important themes in data, and to create a list of 20 guidelines to inform the work of art therapists in ECC settings. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Art Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Summer Semester, 2014. === July 1, 2014. === Art Therapy, Developing Countries, Economically-Challenged, Global Health, International Health, Mental Health === Includes bibliographical references. === Marcia Rosal, Professor Directing Thesis; David Gussak, Committee Member; Antonio Cuyler, Committee Member.