Social Developments
Aesthetic Knowing: Using Art as an Assessment Tool in a College Classroom
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Marcia Peck, Barbara Roquemore, Paulette Cross
This paper describes the outcomes from a diversity, equity and inclusion graduate course that moved students from deficit views of families and children of color to a view more aligned with a structural racism perspective. This outcome was assessed using a pre and post written prompt and with an artistic reflection of learning such as poetry, video, and drawing. The paper briefly shares data from the written prompt assessment, with the balance of the time devoted to examples of student art. We then consider the possibilities of using art as an assessment tool in college classrooms, and the power of art to shape a more just society.
Arts Engagement and Aging: Exploring Aging Minority Women's Social Participation in Education and Cultural Activities
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Wook Yang
The Health Equity Promotion Model posits that people’s intersecting social positions can lead to community resources that can contribute to health and well-being. Aging sexual minority women have intersecting identities, which influence their lived experiences through ageism, sexism, and heterosexism. Based on the Health Equity Promotion Model, the current study hypothesized that aging sexual minority women would show lower levels of social participation when compared to their heterosexual peers. Previous studies have outlined that engaging in arts based activities such as going to local museums can benefit aging adults. The current study utilized the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging survey data, a population-based survey, to examine aging sexual minority women’s social participation levels related to educational and cultural activities such as attending concerts, plays, or visiting museums. The analysis involved 25,469 heterosexual, 274 lesbian, and 121 bisexual women over the age of 45. Contrary to the study’s hypothesis, results show that sexual minority women participate in educational and cultural activities at a higher rate compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Hence, the current research points to the importance of strategies that can lead to the implementation of inclusive practices in arts-based venues like museums and theaters in order to promote healthy aging of minority adults.
Expanding the Brush: Using Art to Promote Healing and Resilience
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Zamzam Dini, Soyoul Song
Art therapy is one of the creative art therapies (along with music therapy, drama therapy, and dance therapy). The creative art therapies differ from other therapies by their experiential and nonverbal character. Characteristic for art therapy is the methodical use of art means as drawing, painting, collage, and sculpting to shape and express feelings, thoughts, and memories. Recent research (Droždek & Bolwerk, 2010b; Droždek, Bolwerk, Tol, & Kleber, 2012) suggests that the more nonverbal treatment sessions (art therapy, music therapy, and psychomotor therapy) are applied, within the day-treatment programs and next to trauma-focused psychotherapy, the better are the results in decrease of psychopathology. Art therapy also offers a valuable healing approach for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through its non-verbal, creative, and personalized characteristics. It facilitates enhancement of communication skills, improvement in social interactions, and aids in emotional expression and regulation. This therapy is also beneficial for sensory processing, fostering confidence and self-esteem, and supporting cognitive development. Clinical examples are provided to introduce practices that promote healing and resilience using art. These practices can be expanded to any population and setting. Recognizing the healing nature of art will provide concrete strategies to use to further enrich their practice/work.
