Impact of art therapy on sense of self in individuals with psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of art therapy on sense of self in individuals with first episode psychosis
IRAS ID
192688
Contact name
Sarah Lynch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 25 days
Research summary
This study will explore the experience of art therapy for individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis and particularly whether art therapy impacts on an individual's sense of self or the way that they see and understand themselves.
Current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2014) guidance recommends that art therapy be offered to those experiencing psychosis. However, recent research (Crawford et al, 2012) has suggested a mixed picture as to whether art therapy is a beneficial intervention. This is inconsistent with the suggestions of others (Waller & Dalley, 1992; Eastwood, 2012) who have argued that art therapy may enable people to appreciate their own and others minds, have an increased sense of self or change their identity. Sense of self is particularly relevant for those experiencing first episode psychosis in which individuals are more likely to be in a stage of life in which their identity is undergoing more significant development.
Due to the current controversy on art therapy with psychosis and the lack of current theory regarding the mechanisms and way in which it may impact on service users, it is considered useful to explore the experience of art therapy and use this information to suggest some of the processes involved, grounded in the service users’ experience.
In order to investigate the questions stated, this project will use grounded theory methodology and participants will be asked about their experience of art therapy using a semi-structured interview which will last for approximately one hour. Participants will be recruited from three NHS trusts and individuals who have experienced first episode psychosis and have received art therapy will be invited to participate. The interviews will take place in an NHS location which the participants are familiar with. The research is funded by Canterbury Christ Church University.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0078
Date of REC Opinion
2 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion