Abstract
This study looked at the ways in which the practice of art therapy could potentially help blind individuals cope with the loss of sight, and feel more capable in accomplishment through the use of tactile art materials. While art is primarily considered a visual tool, the physical nature of some materials can provide relief and autonomy for those without sight. The research was conducted by looking at the psychosocial aspects of dealing with blindness, researching the therapeutic benefits of art therapy, and conveying examples of successful case studies that used tactile materials in different ways. Based on several findings and a case study, this study concluded that the intervention of art therapy with tactile mediums did relatively have a positive impact on blind clients’ sense of capability. Overall, art therapy with the visually impaired experiencing mental health and behavioral issues was shown to provide moderate improvement in quality of life, therapeutic relief, a sense of self-accomplishment, and a better understanding of themselves through physical materials.
Keywords
blind, visual impairment, art therapy, tactile materials, capability
Document Type
Thesis
Year of Completion
2017
Major
Art Therapy
Advisor
Dr. SeungYeon Lee
Academic Department
Art Therapy Department
Recommended Citation
DiGiulio, Deanna, "The Use of Art Therapy with the Blind to Impact a Sense of Capability" (2017). Undergraduate Honors College Theses 2016-. 38.
https://digitalcommons.liu.edu/post_honors_theses/38