Mcsorley, 2018.Pdf (4.215Mb)
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Running head: MINDFULNESS-BASED CROCHET 1 The Therapeutic Use of Mindfulness-Based Crochet to Reduce Stress in Care Providers Erin K. McSorley A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Master of Arts in Art Therapy Degree Department of Art Therapy in the Graduate Program Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana April, 2018 MINDFULNESS-BASED CROCHET 2 Abstract This paper presents support for the inclusion of fiber arts techniques in the art therapy profession. The author conducted a thesis study to investigate the use of introductory-level crochet as a mindfulness-based technique to reduce stress in care providers to people with developmental disabilities. Effects of the mindfulness-based therapeutic crochet method were rated by participants using the Perceived Stress Survey (PSS-10; Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983) and the Task Enjoyment Question (TEQ; Tauer & Harackieweicz, 2004). Surveys also collected information about how much crochet was done between sessions in order to gather information about the possible relationship between skill achievement, task enjoyment, and stress reduction. Results were quantified for analytic correlation in SPSS Statistics 23 by a contracted statistician. Due to the small sample size, results of the analysis were statistically inconclusive, but are discussed at length. MINDFULNESS-BASED CROCHET 3 Acknowledgements An abundance of fine yarns made from natural fibers in lovely colors were generously donated by Purl Soho in NYC. Ergonomically-designed crochet hooks were graciously provided by Tulip Company Limited in Hiroshima, Japan. The American Art Therapy Association provided support for this study through the Pearlie Roberson Scholarship Award. Many thanks to the Multicultural Committee for this meaningful recognition. Muchas gracias to Dilis Tolentino and Zoila Alvarez for volunteering at the weekly sessions! Thank you to Lore Barcelona and Godfrey Rivera for additional translation services, proof- reading, and support throughout the group planning and formation stages. Thank you to the Sinergia family for your participation and enthusiasm in accommodating the group. Carrie Ezell, Emery Mikel, and Stella Stepney, thank you for your guidance and mentorship. MINDFULNESS-BASED CROCHET 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .....................................................................................................................................2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................................................3 LIST OF TABLES ...........................................................................................................................5 LIST OF FIGURES .........................................................................................................................6 I. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................7 Problem Statement ...............................................................................................................7 Research Question ...............................................................................................................9 Rationale and Basic Assumptions ........................................................................................9 Objectives ..........................................................................................................................10 Hypotheses .........................................................................................................................10 Definition of Terms ............................................................................................................11 II. LITERATURE REVIEW ..........................................................................................................13 Metaphorical Content of Fiber Arts Techniques ...............................................................13 Mindfulness and Stress Reduction .....................................................................................15 Frequency of Practice ........................................................................................................17 Fiber Arts as a Kinesthetic Process ....................................................................................18 Fiber Arts Techniques in Group Therapy ..........................................................................19 Stress Reduction for Care Providers ..................................................................................20 III. METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................................22 Research Design .................................................................................................................22 Group Formation ................................................................................................................24 Data Collection ..................................................................................................................25 Analysis of the Data ...........................................................................................................27 IV. FINDINGS AND INTERPRETATION ..................................................................................28 Survey Results ...................................................................................................................28 Qualitative Responses ........................................................................................................39 V. DISCUSSION ...........................................................................................................................43 Limitations and Recommendations ....................................................................................43 REFERENCES ..............................................................................................................................47 MINDFULNESS-BASED CROCHET 5 List of Tables Table 1. Average PSS-10 Survey Scores .......................................................................................28 Table 2. Change in PSS-10 Scores from Pre-Session to Post-Session ..........................................29 Table 3. Average Weekly Scores for Task Enjoyment Question Survey Responses ....................31 Table 4. Pearson Correlation of Task Enjoyment with Reduction in Perceived Stress .................32 MINDFULNESS-BASED CROCHET 6 List of Figures Figure 1. TIME: The Resistance Rises…………………………………………………………..15 Figure 2. Overall Perceived Stress Scores .....................................................................................30 Figure 3. Average PSS-10 Change Scores and TEQ Scores Overall ............................................33 Figure 4. Comparison of Average PSS-10 and TEQ Scores Between Groups ..............................34 Figures 5-9. Types of Crochet Pieces Made During the Study ......................................................35 Figure 10. Task Enjoyment and Perceived Stress Related to Independent Practice Time ............37 Figure 11. Crocheted Warrior Hearts .............................................................................................38 Figure 12-15. Crocheted Wearable Items ......................................................................................39 Figure 16. Crocheted Mandala .......................................................................................................41 MINDFULNESS-BASED CROCHET 7 Introduction Problem Statement and Significance of Problem In my personal practice of utilizing fiber arts techniques for expressive recreation, I discovered the potential to utilize rhythmic movements to access a creative flow similar to what I experience when painting. While many art mediums can facilitate meaningful expressions through symbolic work, the ability to achieve a meditative state through the use of art materials may be less common and therefore significant to art therapy research. It is this soothing, meditative quality which I believe contributes to claims of stress reduction and promotes it as a hobby of frequent practice for those who have discovered it. Research has demonstrated efficacy for the use of fiber arts as an effective coping technique for individuals self-identified as textile handcrafters, but there is limited information available addressing the efficacy of the use of fiber arts in art therapy with clientele with no prior experience with these processes (Collier, 2011). It is the opportunity to use fiber arts techniques with novices that is addressed in this research project. Collier (2011) surveyed 821 female participants who self-identify as textile handcrafters to investigate the role of textile handcrafts in promoting psychological well-being. This study provided evidence for the use of textile handcrafting as a technique to promote a sense of well- being through improved mood states and identified knitting as the most popular fiber arts technique used by survey respondents (Collier, 2011). The quantitative data provided supports what many writers have expressed in the abundance of anecdotal and devotional writing on the healing, spiritual qualities and powerful symbolism of handwork with fibers (Bogart, 2015; Corkhill, 2014; Doolaard, 2010; Gant, 2015; Hart, 2014; Hood, 2014, 2016; Murphy, 2002; MINDFULNESS-BASED CROCHET 8 Nargi, 2008; Parkes, 2013; Roghaar & Wolf,