Hongo, A., Katz, A. & Valenti K. (2013). Art: Trauma to Therapy for Aging Female Prisoners. Traumatology.

Hongo, A., Katz, A. & Valenti K. (2013). Art: Trauma to Therapy for Aging Female Prisoners. Traumatology.

Author Affiliations: University of Southern California
Artforms: Art therapy
Program: N.A.
Program Description: : Six art-therapy expression workshops conducted by a volunteer group of therapist interns
Program (Study) Location:Program (Study) Location: California women’s prison
Study Published: August 3, 2015
Participant Type: Adult female prisoners aged 50 to 76
Sample Size: 20
Data Type: Qualitative—pre- and post-questionnaire; thematic analysis
Evaluation Focus: The effect of creative projects on trauma

Summary of Impact: Analysis of the questionnaires revealed five general themes regarding the effect of art therapy workshops on participants: potential to dream (ability to imagine life on the outside); feeling connected; mutual understanding; releasing feelings; and unselfish concern (including fostering teamwork and social interaction).

Keywords: adult, aging, art therapy, community, elderly, emotions, social, teamwork, women