Dissertation
Investigating clinical practices of medical art therapists working with children and adolescents diagnosed with sickle cell disease
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Dec 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001425
Abstract
Art therapists work with children and adolescents with SCD in medical settings throughout the United States (U.S.). However, there is minimal research available that focuses on art therapy and youth with SCD. Therefore, this qualitative research study aimed to explore the clinical practices of art therapists working with youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) in a medical setting. Art therapists who had experience working with youth with SCD (n = 21) were recruited from across the U.S. Participants took part in one individual semi-structured interview via Zoom. Findings suggest that when art therapists work with youth with SCD, they utilize a person-centered therapeutic approach. Several factors (e.g., patient-specific, potential psychosocial stressors, biomedical complications) are considered before and during the intervention. The art therapist remains flexible and adjusts the intervention to meet the in-the-moment needs of the patients. Furthermore, data analysis revealed that art therapists experience various challenges and barriers when working with youth with SCD and in medical settings. Race may impact further challenges and barriers. In addition, this research study sheds light on the adverse experiences of youth with SCD, as reported by art therapists. Participants reported that young individuals with SCD experience medical stigmatization and perceived racial bias. It provides supporting excerpts and examples of interventions utilized by art therapists when working with youth with SCD. These interventions appeared to help validate the patients' experiences and enhance communication, leading to a better understanding of the patient.
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Details
- Title
- Investigating clinical practices of medical art therapists working with children and adolescents diagnosed with sickle cell disease
- Creators
- Carrie A. Cottone
- Contributors
- Joke Bradt (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 141 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991020034315104721