Across the globe, as many as 5 million women become victims of sexual trafficking at any given time (Hardy, Compton & McPhatter, 2013). The traumatic experience of sexual trafficking frequently results in severe and complex symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (Hardy, et. al., 2013). This researcher attempted to explore art therapy as a holistic recovery treatment for these victims. The study utilized clay-based art therapy with a group of women who were previously victims of sexual trafficking. These participants explored different ideas of recovery for six weeks using clay. Qualitative data included researcher observations, session discussions and qualitative interviews, which were reviewed for themes while the Trauma Symptom Checklist was used to supplement the results. The research question asked if clay-based art therapy would lower trauma symptoms, promote community building, increase feelings of empowerment and improve vocational and life skills. Ultimately the research data supported the research question. Following the art therapy trauma symptoms were lowered, a sense of community was built, feelings of empowerment increased, and life skills improved supporting that clay-based art therapy is an effective, and holistic form of treatment for sex trafficking victims. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Art Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Summer Semester 2015. / June 30, 2015. / Includes bibliographical references. / David Gussak, Professor Directing Thesis; Marcia Rosal, Committee Member; Theresa Van Lith, Committee Member.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_253084 |
| Contributors | Haynes, Nicole Elizabeth (authoraut), Gussak, David (professor directing thesis), Rosal, Marcia L. (committee member), Van Lith, Theresa (committee member), Florida State University (degree granting institution), College of Fine Arts (degree granting college), Department of Art Education (degree granting department) |
| Publisher | Florida State University, Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, text |
| Format | 1 online resource (97 pages), computer, application/pdf |
| Rights | This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). The copyright in theses and dissertations completed at Florida State University is held by the students who author them. |
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