미술치료사들의 메타버스 경험에 관한 내러티브 탐구

Abstract

This study delves into the burgeoning potential of the Metaverse for art therapy by examining the experiences of art therapists on the platform ZEPETO. It specifically seeks to investigate the feasibility of applying the Metaverse in art therapy settings and uncover the nuanced experiences and interpretations of art therapists within the ZEPETO platform. To achieve these objectives, a qualitative research approach - narrative inquiry - was employed. Five art therapists possessing over two years of clinical experience and demonstrating enthusiasm for exploring the Metaverse were recruited as participants. Over three weeks, from October 19, 2021, to November 4, 2021, they engaged in six non-face-to-face, hour-long Metaverse sessions on ZEPETO, occurring twice a week. To deepen our understanding of their experiences, participants were subsequently invited to create artworks and participate in written interviews reflecting on their ZEPETO journeys. Through insightful narrative analysis of the art therapists’ experiences, the study yielded the following key findings. Firstly, ZEPETO presented a novel avenue for art therapists to explore and express their creative desires, offering unique therapeutic possibilities. Secondly, initial interactions within the unfamiliar virtual environment evoked feelings of confusion, stemming from unfamiliarity with the platform’s controls and the ambiguity of boundaries within the Metaverse. Thirdly, the process of translating their Metaverse experiences into artworks served as a catalyst for the creation of practical knowledge, contributing to the development of expert-informed therapeutic approaches. Lastly, analysis of the narratives not only enriched the understanding of the Metaverse’s therapeutic potential but also initiated a broader discussion regarding its broader applicability within the field of art therapy.