The therapeutic use of art with women experiencing postpartum mood disorders

Authors

  • Dawn De Vries, DHA, CTRS
  • Crystal Schaible, CTRS
  • Kathryn Vincent, CTRS
  • Stephanie Sheridan, CTRS
  • Whitney Royston, CTRS
  • DeAnna Hohn

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2017.0132

Keywords:

postpartum mood disorders, therapeutic use of art, recreational therapy, postpartum depression

Abstract

This review article presents an exploration of the therapeutic use of art with women experiencing postpartum mood disorders (PPMD). Existing research is discussed to discover if the therapeutic use of arts is beneficial for women with PPMD and to identify the use of this intervention by recreational therapists. While limited research exists on the therapeutic use of art with women experiencing PPMD specifically, the research on two specific programs for this population demonstrated positive outcomes including a reduction in symptoms, increased self-esteem, improved self-confidence, and enhanced social supports. Guidelines are suggested for the implementation of the therapeutic use of art with women living with PPMD, as well as topics for future study.

Author Biographies

Dawn De Vries, DHA, CTRS

Assistant Professor, Therapeutic Recreation Program, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Crystal Schaible, CTRS

Recreation Therapist, Rivendell Behavioral Health Hospital, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Kathryn Vincent, CTRS

Recreational Therapist, Behavior Services and Therapy, South Bend, Indiana

Stephanie Sheridan, CTRS

Life Enrichment Director, Castle Peak Senior Care, Eagle, Colorado

Whitney Royston, CTRS

Recreational Therapist, Ingham County Medicare Care Center, Okemos, Michigan.

DeAnna Hohn

Student, Therapeutic Recreation Major, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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Published

04/01/2017

How to Cite

De Vries, DHA, CTRS, D., Schaible, CTRS, C., Vincent, CTRS, K., Sheridan, CTRS, S., Royston, CTRS, W., & Hohn, D. (2017). The therapeutic use of art with women experiencing postpartum mood disorders. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 16(2), 41–50. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2017.0132

Issue

Section

Articles