TEXTILE ARTS AS A COPING MECHANISM FOR AN ADOLESCENT WHO HAS EXPERIENCED LIFE STRESSORS

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Ashley Boyd Wooten (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: The current case study explores how textile arts can be used as a coping mechanism for an adolescent who has experienced life stressors , including a chronic illness and repeated hospitalizations. The adolescent participant was recruited from James and Connie Maynard Children's Hospital in Greenville , NC. Three one-hour sessions were conducted in which the principle investigator taught the participant how to knit. Data were collected from a demographic survey , an open-ended questions interview , and the interactions/conversations that took place during the three knitting sessions. For the participant , knitting was a distraction from hospitalization which typically comprises of pain , boredom , and loneliness. Additionally , learning to knit was also a doorway to conversation , and the beginnings to building a trusting relationship. Finally , knitting provided a means for the patient to experience positive emotions such as increased motivation , creativity , excitement , and satisfaction. Though further research is necessary in this field of study , findings indicate that knitting by an adolescent experiencing stress can be a catalyst for positive emotions , relationship building , and sharing skills with others.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2017

Keywords

coping, knitting

Subjects

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