Madison Schwester

Exploring how Crocheting Impacts Anxiety and its Implications for Use in Art Therapy

ABSTRACT

Throughout the years, fiber arts have been used as a form of artistic creative expression amongst a wide range of cultures throughout the world. From the research that has been conducted, it is evident that there are a great number of therapeutic benefits that are involved through the engagement of fiber art activities; however, because fiber arts encompass countless techniques, it is important to understand the various uses and techniques that are applicable to areas of study and treatment. The purpose of this study is to provide the necessary insights to make a connection between the various techniques of fiber arts in relation to how they are used, the settings that they are used in, and the therapeutic benefits that fiber arts provide. As fiber arts continue to become increasingly popular, researchers have discovered that groups that work with these fibrous materials continue to expand. Fiber arts have also been found to have a significant impact on the populations that use this form of therapy. Although engagement with this form of art is increasing, it should be stressed that the use of fiber arts within the field of art therapy is understudied. This study aims to provide further investigation into the therapeutic benefits that encapsulate fiber arts, specifically in the context of crocheting and how it impacts anxiety as well as the relationship between the use of fibers in art and the process of art therapy.