شعر درمانی: بررسی یک مدل چند بعدی بالینی

The tripartite practice model for poetry therapy developed by Mazza (2003) is composed of receptive/prescriptive, expressive/creative, and symbolic/ceremonial modes (RES). The structure of this model was investigated by means of an online survey of therapists across disciplines. Analysis of the data collected supported the components of the RES as a suitable framework for describing the range of language arts-based methods used therapeutically, and for classification of therapists in relation to this application.

Poetry and other literary genres have been used both formally and informally in healing capacities in the United States since the early 19th century (Mazza, 1999). Although poetry therapy was formally recognized in 1969, to date there has been little systematic investigation of its differential use and treatment effectiveness (Heimes, 2011, Mazza, 2003 and McCulliss, 2011a). In keeping with ethical and clinical standards it is imperative to investigate the extent, specific methods, strengths, and limitations of the differential use of poetry therapy. Heimes (2011), in an extensive review of poetry therapy research, found that most studies appeared in the fields of psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychology; however, it was also noted that poetry therapy was present in a wide range of contexts (e.g., cancer treatment, addictions, and geriatrics).

This preliminary study of the data from the poetry therapy questionnaire supports the structure of the RES model and suggests links between specific components of the model and particular groups of therapists using language arts-based methods. While the questionnaire results were derived from a convenience sample, the data examined statistically so far have yielded results which fit logically with the established RES model, suggesting that the data offer meaningful insight into the use of poetry therapy and related disciplines.