Wellness blankets: effects of textile based art on those with (dis)abilities

Date
2017-02
Authors
St.Hilaire, Megan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina
Abstract

The research question that guides this research practicum is: does participation in a textile based art group aide in an increase in wellness for those with (dis)abilities? The goal was to research the effects of participation in a textile based art group for those who self-identify as (dis)abled. This study used a qualitative, multiple case study method to interview five textile based art participants and their service providers. I used interviews from the participants and the care providers, field notes, researcher observations, observations from Creative Options Regina staff, and the Wellness Assessment results to obtain data. Each participant attended a nine hour textile based art group facilitated by the researcher. These five participants attended one of two textile based art groups that were facilitated. During each group participants created a nine block tie blanket. The service providers were also invited to attend the textile based art group if the participants wished to have them present, of the five participants four service providers did not attend the groups and one attended the group. Therefore information obtained from service providers was mainly from their observations before and after the participant’s group attendance and from information participants shared with them. Overall, all the participants and their service providers expressed the feeling that participation in a textile based art group resulted in an increase in positive emotions, increased feelings of social inclusion and an increased sense of pride. Additional effects were identified by some but not all of the participants, and some of the service providers; these effects were stress reduction, increased independence, and the rekindling of fine motor skills.

Description
A Practicum Report Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Social Work, University of Regina. iv, 69 p.
Keywords
Art therapy--Case studies, People with disabilities, Creative Options Regina
Citation