Systematic analysis of art therapy research published in Art Therapy: Journal of AATA between 1987 and 2004

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic analysis of methodologies used in research published in Art Therapy: Journal of AATA between the years 1987 and 2004. The context of epistemological paradigm shifts affecting research in general and art therapy research in particular is examined. Quantitative inquiry supports hypotheses that the number of publications has continued to grow over the years and that author demographics differ from general demographic of art therapists. A qualitative analysis identified eight methods common to art therapy research: clinical case studies, self studies, survey research, interviews, art therapy tests, historiography/anthropological research, behavioral observations, and exploration of clients’ artworks. Thematic exploration of each method and integration of findings suggest indicators of methods’ maturation and shifts in how and when methods are utilized, field-specific challenges, and emergence of art therapy research norms.