Sixteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

The internalized cultural oppression possibly caused by negative stereotypes was theorized to have a negative impact one’s sense of individuation, which can simultaneously influence one’s creative expression. Looking at participants’ symbol-making through art therapy and Jungian’s approach, this research investigated the possible internalization of negative stereotypes (or the internalized cultural oppression), and how they may impact one’s ability to creatively express oneself. The data resulted in mixed conclusions, suggesting further areas of research. The research represents an important movement in studying one’s identity that is shaped by how they cope through environmental stressors, including the study of the personal barriers from discovering one’s own creativity.