DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/3X78-NB22

Defense Date

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art Education

Department

Art Education

First Advisor

Dr. Sara Wilson-McKay

Second Advisor

Dr. Ryan Patton

Third Advisor

Dr. Yi Wen Wei

Abstract

REPAIR IN AN ECONOMY OF TRAUMA:

HOW IDENTIFYING TRAUMAS AS THE BASIS FOR TEACHER ARTMAKING CONTRIBUTES TO RESILIENCY IN MANAGING TRAUMATIC STRESS

By Danielle Raddin Houdek, BFA, MAE

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Art Education at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021.

Major Director: Dr. Sara Wilson-McKay

Associate Professor, Department of Art Education, School of the Arts

Objective: Through this research project, the impact that secondary traumatic stress has on art educators and how artmaking contributes to resiliency in managing secondary traumatic stress was examined. The research question is: In what ways does naming specific experienced trauma, as the basis for teacher art making, impact teacher resiliency?

Method: Art-based research and autoethnography were used because these two methodologies complement each other very well and improve the quality of collected data and reflect investment of lived experience. I was the sole participant in this study. Two surveys to collect baseline data were self-administered. Historical data was reviewed from calendar, gradebook, lesson plans and journals to produce sketchbook responses. Themes were identified from the sketchbook and reviewed to make art and write reflections.

Results: The survey results from the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Compassion Fatigue Self-Test indicate 50% improvement from baseline data.

Conclusion: Addressing specific experienced trauma, as the basis for teacher art making had a positive effect on the participant’s personal resiliency and healing.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

12-12-2021

Included in

Art Education Commons

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