Identification and characterization of symbols emanating from the spontaneous artwork of survivors of childhood trauma

Na'ama Eisenbach; Sharon Snir; Dafna Regev

doi:10.1016/j.aip.2014.12.002

Identification and characterization of symbols emanating from the spontaneous artwork of survivors of childhood trauma

Na'ama Eisenbach
, Sharon Snir
, Dafna Regev

School of Creative Arts Therapies

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

This study defines the visual symbols in the spontaneous artwork of 10 women who are survivors of childhood traumas involving loss or sexual abuse. The analysis was based on 379 artworks and a semi-structured, in-depth interview with each creator. Seven main visual symbols were identified using qualitative methodology and an art-based research approach. The symbols were characterized and interpreted according to a Jungian approach that uses amplification to process and expand upon the products of the unconscious. The symbols were found to tell the story of the trauma and perhaps even hint at the direction of its healing.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	45-56
Number of pages	12
Journal	Arts in Psychotherapy
Volume	44
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2014.12.002
State	Published - 1 Jul 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 5 Gender Equality
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Keywords

Artwork
Childhood trauma
Visual symbols

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Health Professions (miscellaneous)
Clinical Psychology
Psychiatry and Mental health

Access to Document

10.1016/j.aip.2014.12.002

Cite this

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abstract = "This study defines the visual symbols in the spontaneous artwork of 10 women who are survivors of childhood traumas involving loss or sexual abuse. The analysis was based on 379 artworks and a semi-structured, in-depth interview with each creator. Seven main visual symbols were identified using qualitative methodology and an art-based research approach. The symbols were characterized and interpreted according to a Jungian approach that uses amplification to process and expand upon the products of the unconscious. The symbols were found to tell the story of the trauma and perhaps even hint at the direction of its healing.",

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AB - This study defines the visual symbols in the spontaneous artwork of 10 women who are survivors of childhood traumas involving loss or sexual abuse. The analysis was based on 379 artworks and a semi-structured, in-depth interview with each creator. Seven main visual symbols were identified using qualitative methodology and an art-based research approach. The symbols were characterized and interpreted according to a Jungian approach that uses amplification to process and expand upon the products of the unconscious. The symbols were found to tell the story of the trauma and perhaps even hint at the direction of its healing.

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Identification and characterization of symbols emanating from the spontaneous artwork of survivors of childhood trauma

Abstract

Bibliographical note

UN SDGs

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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