Dehumanization of Cancer Patients: An Art Therapy Case Study Utilizing Visual Journaling

This case study explores the effects of an eight week semi-structured art therapy intervention on the quality of life of a cancer patient. The intervention consisted of visual journaling directives that were utilized to help the client cope with her illness as well as an unstructured portion. The unstructured portion mainly consisted of three dimensional art experiences as determined by the client. The case study sought to answer three clinical case questions surrounding the client’s identity, quality of life, and exploration of any occurrences of client dehumanization. The eight week art therapy intervention concluded with a semi-structured interview. The results from sessions and the interview surmised that the client’s quality of life seemed to improve with the implementation of art therapy sessions. Her sense of identity was strengthened through the discussion of her cultural values and beliefs, as well as through the formation of various symbols in her artwork and verbalizations. The client did not report any instances of dehumanization due to her medical treatment team.