VISUAL DEPICTION OF THE SELF

ART THERAPY-THEORIES AND METHODS PSY 355

PATRICIA SU

UNION INSTITUTE AND UNIVERSITY

PROFESSOR: PETERSON, LELAND

August 28, 2021

Introduction

For the visual selection of the self, I applied the existential approach to understanding my own

self, who am I? The existential approach is a great approach to use when one wants to

understand their own struggles. Like most, I have used this approach when I needed to refocus

and let go of anxiety and stress. Many of the concepts have meaning to me personally and

professionally. Self-awareness was a key factor to me especially when I begin to feel

overwhelmed. I have to reevaluate my life and choices, and realize that I am human, and cannot

do it all. What is meant to be will happen, and I cannot be superwoman and accomplish

everything when I think they should be accomplished. If past decisions don’t go as planned, I

have the power to change my life and move forward. Freedom also ties into self-awareness,

because when you struggle, you have to take ownership of your own life and choices. You

cannot live based on the past or what you are used to. You have to take the initiative and make

that change yourself. Searching for meaning also stood out, because in order to take charge of

your life, you have to find a purpose. This purpose can change from day to day, which is great to

mention in therapy, because people can get caught up in the past. You are constantly evolving,

and we have to remember that things that mean something to us at one point in our live might not

be as meaning.

Malchiodi, C.A. (2011) Handbook of Art Therapy Second Edition. Guilford Publications

Chapter 6 page 77.

Literature Review
There are several theories explaining the benefits of art therapy. According to Malchiodi (2003),

art therapy is a beneficial technique used to improve communication. Art therapy is a method

that integrates all the fields of human development and is a way to express emotions. Another

research by Johnson and Sullivan (2006) states that art therapy effectively reduces stress and

anxiety. Because when people engage in any creative activity, it improves their mental and social

well-being and helps them to connect with people in a better way. Third writer Coholic (2011)

seems to think that art therapy is linked with improving self-esteem and self-acceptance. When

people engage themselves in an activity that encourages awareness and helps them to pay

attention to their purpose and present, it will automatically result in improved self-esteem.

Cohen, Rusted, Sheppard, and Waller (2006) all explain the connection between art therapy and

improving mood and overall sense of well-being. According to them, when older people engage

in visual art activities and any physical exercise, it improves their quality of life. Yet another idea

by Khaddouma, Gordon, and Bolden (2015) is that mindfulness techniques improve personal

relationships.

Personality is basically defined as attributes which are possessed by all individuals and that

which defines their temperament, characteristics and mental and emotional behavior. Abraham

Maslow, A humanistic psychologist believed that that people are not controlled by forces, such

as reinforcement or stimuli forces of behaviorism, but he placed his belief on what people can

really do as opposed to their limitations. His hierarchy of needs has placed a major precedence

on which human interactions can follow so as to make sure they achieve productive, as well as

agreeable outcome. Biological factors, to an extent are different or incompatible with humanistic

theories. Human perspective and theories focus on self thus one can choose their own actions or

beliefs. They can choose their behaviors rather than having to act or react to biological stimuli.
Biological factors are quite different from the humanistic perspective as they relate to genes and

the brain. Individuals have no control over those. The humanistic theories are based on the

theory that everybody is essentially good, and rely on feelings rather than thoughts. Biological

theories rely on the belief that genetics control our personality. They rely on thinking and not

necessarily ones feelings. Therefore, as you can see they are very different theories. Humanist

does focus on the present and not the past, and they believe everyone has worth. It also states that

only through self-assessment and knowledge, as well as improvement can you actually find

happiness. Biological theorists believe that our DNA determines our personality, regardless of

who raised you. They believe genes and intelligence determine your personality. Mental

disorders, as well as temperament are determined by our biology. Maslow reveals to us how he

determines the makeup of personalities. Each stage and each need is based on a priority, He

shows us that the main influence of people’s needs to their personality. Physiological needs are

main priority, food, water, shelter, and clothing. This also includes, sleep, health and shelter.

Coping mechanism is usually needed to meet these needs. Security needs are, security and safety

and helping information, and a need to feel safe and secure and away from danger are security

needs. Helping an individual to experience life in a better way expands on their personality

development. This is part of the social needs, along with developing emotional attachments and

friendship. After the three above mentioned needs are satisfied, and then one focuses on their

esteem needs. Self-esteem, personal worth and social recognition start becoming a priority, along

with a sense of accomplishment, and social recognition. The last level on Maslow’s hierarchy of

needs is self-actualization. This is the highest level and when people are self-aware, concerned

with personal growth and less- concerned with the opinion of others. They begin to concern

themselves with fulfilling their own potential. Biological model affirms that our brains, genes
and hormones are central to our personal development. Individuals’ brains are usually complex

and quite unique. Based on the biological perspective, the physical characteristics are usually

central to our major personalities. In contrast, the humanistic psychology places a higher

importance on the spiritual, personal responsibilities as well as self-actualization. Humanistic

psychology is usually a value orientation. It does hold a constructive, hopeful view of human

beings, and their capacity of self-determining. It is usually guided by the conviction that ethical

and intentional values are usually immense psychological forces. This leads to efforts to enhance

distinct individual qualities. For example, creativity interaction of the mind, body and spirit. The

main capacity being, more free, responsible, trustworthy and aware. Humanistic psychology does

acknowledge that the mind is usually influenced by forces in the unconscious and society. Some

of which are destructive and negative. This does put some emphasis on the worthiness, dignity of

us, as humans; to develop self- respect and competence.

Biological factors are related to Maslow’s hierarchy of personality because biological factors

such as brains, heredity, and physical characteristics are needed during the growth phase. All

actions including basics needs, security, and enlightenment are actions and behaviors that are a

result of biological and internal instincts. In the cognitive level biological factors are paramount,

and this level requires knowledge and understanding.

Discussion

Many people take help from Art Therapy to express themselves creatively. This is a useful

technique to find out the emotions and the psychological condition of the person through art.

Any form of art, like painting, sculpting, coloring, and collage. These non-verbal messages from

art are used to understand feelings and solve psychological issues. The purpose of this paper is to

analyze the benefits of art therapy. General, I found a number of an idea from the literature
review on the benefits of art therapy. However, all of the states that art therapy is an effective

way of improving one's quality of life. For example, if the person has low self-esteem or is

facing anxiety by expressing his emotions through an art form, he will be able to understand his

purpose and situation better. As a result of which it had a positive impact on his life. Similarly,

through art therapy, people can improve their self-esteem and, consequently, their relationships.

Because the basic concept of improving self-esteem is through self-acceptance, and that is what

art therapy does. Art therapy gives a symbolic hint to the person about his purpose and helps him

to accept the way he or she is, which is consequently translated into improved self-esteem.

Moreover, the majority of sources that I searched says that it effectively reduces anxiety and

stress. For example, when someone engages themselves in art and expresses his emotions, his

stress will go.

Conclusion

Having analyzed the findings, we can conclude that art therapy is an effective technique in

improving the overall quality of life and help to improve self-esteem, self-acceptance,

communications, and relationships. In fact, through art, one can easily express his emotions and

feelings and find the purpose of his life. More scientific research is needed to gain a better

understanding of art therapy benefits. There are various factors that determine our personality.

Some of these are biological factors and some are humanistic. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and

humanistic personality’s theories play a major role in developing our personality. There are

biological factors that determine our personality, as well. Though these two theories are opposite,

they do comprise the main essence of development of our unique personalities. The blend of

these two diverse approaches, produce very effective results and work quite well as a duo.
Perhaps, future research will conclude that while both approaches lack definitive results; a

combination of the two could be presented as a much better definitive result.

References:

Friedman, H. S. (2012). Personality: Classic Theories and Modern research fifth Edition. Boston:

Allyn & Bacon. http://psychology.about.com/

Malchiodi, C.A. (2011) Handbook of Art Therapy Second Edition. Guilford Publications

Chapter 6 page 77.

Malchiodi, C.A., 2003. Art therapy and the brain.

Handbook of art therapy, pp.16-24.

Coholic, D.A., 2011, August. Exploring the feasibility and benefits of arts-based mindfulness-

based practices with young people in need: Aiming to improve aspects of

317). Springer US.

Johnson, C.M., and Sullivan-Marx, E.M., 2006. Art therapy: Using the creative process

for healing and hope among African American older adults. Geriatric Nursing, 27(5),

pp.309-316.

Khaddouma, A., Gordon, K.C., and Bolden, J., 2015. Zen and the art of dating:

Mindfulness, differentiation of self, and satisfaction in dating relationships. Couple and

Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 4(1), p.1.

Rusted, J., Sheppard, L., and Waller, D., 2006. A multi-center randomized control group trial on

the use of art therapy for older people with dementia. Group Analysis, 39(4), pp.517-536.