تجزیه و تحلیل اصولی پژوهش هنردرمانی منتشر در هنر درمانی: مجله aatA تنها بین سالهای 1987 و 2004

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.

Art therapists, as ambassadors of a relatively new field, are frequently confronted with a question most mental health professionals no longer face: But what exactly is art therapy? Indeed, not an easy question to answer; art therapy is an interdisciplinary, unique field. It combines artistic, scientific, mental health, and educational components but does not seem to fit completely into any single mould. Art therapy research endeavors might reflect this evolving identity and promote development accordingly. This article, therefore, presents a systematic analysis of research published in the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) journal over a decade and a half in an attempt to identify what art therapy research brings to the field within the context of general research debate and what image of art therapy is reflected through such research. First, theoretical underpinnings of research methodology and general developments in research perceptions are explored through presenting (1) the broader context of epistemological paradigms underlying the theories of valued knowledge, (2) current conceptual methodology debates within the social sciences, and (3) an overview of research dialogue within the art therapy field. Next, the methodology used for examining art therapy research over the years is brought forth. The systematic analysis utilizes mixed methodology with the assumption that quantitative or qualitative methods are complimentary and their combination offers more comprehensive findings possible than through the limited scope of either form of inquiry alone. Findings regarding art therapy research trends then lead a discussion of possible implications for the field's advancement endeavors.

This study explored the use of research methodology in papers published in Art Therapy: Journal of AATA between the years 1987 and 2004, within the context of greater debate of epistemological research paradigms. The research utilized quantitative deductive inquiry and qualitative inductive exploration. Two quantitative hypotheses were statistically supported, suggesting that the number of published research papers increased and that gender proportions of researchers differed from the general art therapy population. The qualitative section named eight common research methods and explored themes and characteristics of each. A synthesis of findings offered indicators of change in published research over the years. Future studies of art therapy research could broaden the investigation to other expressive therapy publications, explore effects of gender and education within a chosen research method, or explore attempts to measure the quality of published research in comparison to other fields.