This study provided a synthesis of the historical, theoretical, empirical and practical foundations of poetry therapy. A poetry therapy model combining the use of preexisting poems (reading poems) and collaborative poems (group creative writing) was developed. Empirical investigation was supplemented with narrative reports by leaders and observers. / The effect of the poetry therapy model on group climate and interpersonal relations in group counseling was investigated. The subjects were 32 undergraduate (juniors and seniors) students from an intact Communication and Human Relations class. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of four counseling groups. There were two treatment (poetry) and two comparison (nonpoetry) groups. Pretest measures of equivalence were administered to both subjects and leaders. / The poetry and nonpoetry groups met for six consecutive weeks for one and one-half hour sessions. The null hypothesis of no significant difference (p < .05) between poetry and nonpoetry groups was utilized. The dependent measures were the scales and subscales of the FIRO-B and Moos GES. A two factor (poetry treatment and nonpoetry treatment) analysis of covariance was performed. / The results indicated that there were no significant differences (p < .05) on the FIRO-B scales between poetry and nonpoetry groups. On the Moos GES there were significant (p < .05) differences in favor of the poetry group on the cohesion and self-discovery subscales but no significant differences (p < .05) on the other subscales. In comparing the adjusted posttest mean scores of the Moos GES between poetry and nonpoetry groups there was, however, a trend favoring the poetry group on the Relationship and Personal Development dimensions. / It was concluded that the poetry therapy model did not effect interpersonal behavior change. The poetry therapy model can, however, be an effective ancillary technique for counselors interested in advancing group cohesion and self-discovery in group modalities. In considering the trends on the Moos GES it is further suggested that the poetry therapy model has the potential to help establish the conditions for developmental growth and facilitate group process. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 42-06, Section: A, page: 2505. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1981.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_74475 |
| Contributors | MAZZA, NICHOLAS., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 196 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
Page generated in 0.0021 seconds