QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative Research: To what Extent Using Collage is Reliable to Assess Acute Depression by Psychiatrist Workers

[Name of Student]

Qualitative Research: To what Extent Using Collage is Reliable to Assess Acute Depression by Psychiatrist Workers

Introduction

This paper proposes the use of a qualitative methodology i.e. Grounded theory as valid research method in the field of art (collage) therapy. The emergence of meanings from the data, but not the data itself, makes Grounded Theory an appropriate methodology for the knowledge of a particular social phenomenon.

Glaser (1992) states that grounded theory is useful for research in fields concerning human behavior within different organizations, groups and other social settings. Since the process of collage therapy is a social process, we can state that this methodology can be applied in this study as well. In the existing environment, the feeling of anxiety and depression are two of the most common problems that people are suffering from due to extreme pressure in personal as well as social and professional life. Since its inception, Psychiatrics have been striving to find different ways through which feeling of anxiety and depression can be treated and cured. Various kinds of therapies have been developed to provide mental relief to the depressed people. However, the effectiveness of such therapies is highly dependent on the ability of the patient to adapt the applied treatment.

Keeping in view the demanding situation for treating depression, Psychiatrics have come up with a unique therapy referred to as “Art therapy”. Over the years, healthcare practitioners have used art in different forms to tap the underlying mental problem. Visual journaling connects us to feelings deeper than words can express. Meditating into collage, drawings and painted images is an ongoing way to tap the mystery of patient's lives and heal the stress producing emotions that can overwhelm them during times of uncertainty. Art therapy is a distinct field in which its practitioners tap into art's power to heal to go beyond a basic knowledge of the pleasure associated with art making. Art therapists demonstrate a deeper understanding of the therapeutic utility and psychological influence of art process and materials (Malchiodi, 2007, pp. 24-29).

Expressive arts therapy uses a similar approach but integrates one or more modalities i.e. movement, dance, music, writing, drama or visual art, for treatment that is personalized to the individual. Chan and Horneffer (2006) found that journaling benefitted individuals who manifested a high level of distress. They hypothesized that written emotional expression supported assimilation and understanding of traumatic events for those who had the ability to process and organize distressing memories. However, Chan and Horneffer acknowledged that, because traumatic events are stored as imagery, expressive art processes may provide a particularly effective method for processing and working through the experiences and inclusion of art making may be, more cathartic than words alone. This paper is specifically targeted towards the role of “collage” in assessing and treating acute depression.

Aims & Objectives of Research

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge by ...