Changes in self-image as seen in tree paintings

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether changes in self-image were reflected in the tree paintings of the participants in an art therapy programme, and, if so, how. A self-rating scale, Structural Analysis of Social Behaviour (SASB), was used in the assessment of changes in self-image, and content analysis was used to analyse the tree paintings. This particular combination of quantitative and qualitative measures and analysis has not been reported before in relation to the assessment of change in self-image. The SASB questionnaire and the instruction to paint a tree were presented to six women in an art therapy group programme. Data were collected in the first and final group session. The SASB results and noted changes in the tree paintings were then analysed and compared. All the participants showed changes in self-image according to SASB, but only two participants experienced positive changes that were possible to verify statistically. Certain features of all the participants’ second tree painting showed changes in comparison with the first tree painting. The findings indicated that it was not possible to arrive at a general conclusion concerning how changes in self-image could be related to the tree theme and to the results of the SASB. Further research with a more comprehensive collection of data would be desirable in order to examine whether a hypothesis about unconventional trees, the meaning of the colour, the marked outline, and the reduction/extension in the tree paintings could be of any relevance.