Fairytale imagery integrated with art technique : its effect on self-perception in adults
Date
1980
Authors
Haegert, Sheila Ann
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Abstract
The patient in psychotherapy today is seen as suffering from a loss of sense of self characterized by a lack of affect, a feeling of emptiness and the inability to communicate deeply personal meaning. The verbal, rational and analytical forms of psychotherapy seem no longer sufficient for most patients to restore their sense of self, Selfhood or personal identity was defined as "who I perceive myself to be" or "what my concept of self is," (Rogers, 1954). The present study investigated whether an innovative nonverbal treatment strategy-identification with fairytale symbolism integrated with art technique--would have an effect on the self-perception and self-knowledge of adults. The treatment group was compared to two control groups--an "any drawing" group and a "fairytale imagery-guided fantasy" group. Effects were measured by two instruments--the Adjective Q-Set (discrepancy between perceived and ideal self) and a Self-Rating Scale of knowledge gained about self. The results of the Q-Set and Self-Rating Scale indicated that, contrary to prediction, the treatment strategy does not significantly alter s elf-perception in adults. The Q-Set results also indicated that there was no significant difference between the groups.
However, the Self-Rating Scale results suggest the proposal of an alternative hypothesis that the guided fantasy (control) group significantly increased self knowledge in the general areas of personal self, moral ethical self and social self; and in the specific areas of relationships with family members and personal weaknesses.
Possible explanations for the lack of support for the experimental hypothesis were offered. The potency of the guided fantasy technique was explored. Differences between the Q-Set and the Self-Rating Scale were suggested. The results of the present study were compared to the results of the pilot study in terms of sex, age, and media differences. Finally, implications for future research were stated.