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Art Therapy and Runaway Homeless Youth: an Exploration of Trauma and the Survival Response of "Flight"

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Art Therapy and Runaway Homeless Youth: an Exploration of Trauma and the Survival Response of LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations Spring May 2014 Art Therapy and Runaway Homeless Youth: An Exploration of Trauma and The Survival Response of "Flight" LeAnn K. Marschall Loyola Marymount University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd Part of the Art Therapy Commons, and the Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Commons Recommended Citation Marschall, LeAnn K., "Art Therapy and Runaway Homeless Youth: An Exploration of Trauma and The Survival Response of "Flight"" (2014). LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations. 59. https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/59 This Research Projects is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @ Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School. It has been accepted for inclusion in LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ART THERAPY AND RUNAWAY HOMELESS YOUTH: AN EXPLORATION OF TRAUMA AND THE SURVIVAL RESPONSE OF “FLIGHT” by LeAnn K. Marschall A research paper presented to the FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF ARTS May, 2014 2 Author’s Signature: LeAnn K. Marschall Research Project Advisor: Paige Asawa, Ph.D., M.F.T., A.T.R.-B.C. 3 Abstract This qualitative case study examined the influencing factors of runaway behavior, trauma, and the survival response of “flight.” The participant, an 18-year-old male residing at a transitional living program, ran away at age 17 and experienced a significant trauma history. Throughout the course of treatment, artwork and clinical notes were used as data. Many themes surfaced in the analysis process, including controlled chaos, body fragmentation, sun symbols, female imagery, and lack of color. The act of running away emerged subtly, whereas, traumatic experiences, chronic in nature and beginning early in life, were acutely evident. While the study was specifically concerned with the “flight” response, due to the age of the client when the traumatic events began, the “freeze” response was more prevalent in his artwork. This suggested that further research with this population may reveal the thread that connects these two survival responses and specifically when the “freeze” response shifts to a “flight” response related to running away behavior. 4 Disclaimer This paper is based on an independent study resulting from the researcher’s review of the literature. This paper does not reflect the views of Loyola Marymount University, nor the Department of Marital and Family Therapy. This research is based upon a single case study. The name of the participant in this study has been changed to maintain confidentiality. 5 Dedication This research study is dedicated to my research participant and to all the youth I crossed paths with during my practicum training. You taught me greatly. 6 Acknowledgements Despite the longevity of this research journey, I remained inspired, motivated, and committed throughout. I would like to acknowledge several people whose influence created an environment for me to grow beyond my own expectations. I would like to extend a special thank you to my research mentor, Dr. Paige Asawa, whose energy, enthusiasm, and positivity was infectious. Another special thank you goes to my research cluster whose consistent presence created a calming and grounding experience each week. And, finally, I am grateful to be blessed with someone in my life who is supportive beyond words, cooks better meals than Bobby Flay, and possesses eyes like an eagle’s. 7 Table of Contents Signature Page .................................................................................................................................2 Abstract............................................................................................................................................3 Disclaimer........................................................................................................................................4 Dedication........................................................................................................................................5 Acknowledgements..........................................................................................................................6 Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................7 I. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................9–10 The Study Topic .................................................................................................................9 The Significance of the Study ...........................................................................................9 II. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY TOPIC...................................................................11–12 III. LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................................................13–45 Introduction......................................................................................................................13 Prevalence and Incidence Rates of Runaway Homeless Youth...................................14 Definitions and Types of Runaways ...............................................................................15 Implications for Runaway Homeless Youth..................................................................18 Stress, Depression, and Suicidality........................................................................18 High-Risk Sexual Activity ......................................................................................20 Substance-Use........................................................................................................21 Crime......................................................................................................................21 Educational Challenges.........................................................................................23 Positive Outcomes..................................................................................................25 Runaway Homeless Youth and Exposure to Trauma ..................................................26 Trauma as Catalyst to Runaway Behavior ............................................................27 Cycle of Trauma.....................................................................................................30 Pervasive Trauma ..................................................................................................34 Stress Response and Trauma..........................................................................................35 Human Stress Response .........................................................................................36 The Origins of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ......................................................36 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Runaway Homeless Youth .............................38 Ongoing Traumatic Stress Response .....................................................................40 Art Therapy and Runaway Homeless Youth ................................................................41 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................44 8 IV. RESEARCH APPROACH .............................................................................................46–47 V. METHODS ........................................................................................................................48–53 Introduction......................................................................................................................48 Definition of Terms..........................................................................................................48 Design of Study.................................................................................................................51 Sampling ................................................................................................................51 Gathering of Data..................................................................................................52 Analysis of Data.....................................................................................................52 VI. RESULTS.......................................................................................................................54–128 Presentation of Data ........................................................................................................54 Introduction............................................................................................................54 Identifying Information ..........................................................................................54 Presenting Problem ...............................................................................................55 Family History .......................................................................................................55 Medical and Psychiatric History ...........................................................................56 Mental Status Exam ...............................................................................................57 DSM-IV-TR
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