Date Approved

10-3-2007

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Occupational Therapy (M.S.)

Degree Program

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To explore the role of art, with a small group of people who have cancer, as a means provide distraction from pain, to help express feelings, and to assist in making connections with others.

METHOD. Using a randomized sample from Gilda’s Club, a support center for those with cancer, in-house social workers recruited two participants to take part in a small group case study conducted by a master’s level occupational therapy student.

RESULTS. Two participants enrolled in the art class conducted by the researcher. Predetermined questions gathered through participant interviews and class discussions provided the data. Although the participant number was small, the findings were in full support of the assumptions made by the researcher. Art can be used in therapy to help those with cancer to decrease preoccupation with pain, express feelings, and can assist in connecting with others.

CONCLUSION. This study determined that there was a role for art in occupational therapy for use with people who have cancer. Art was shown to be useful as a means to provide distraction from pain, to help express feelings, and to assist in making connection with others.

Comments

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