Browsing by Author "McCullough, Shannon"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Career Development and Exploration in Art Therapy
    (2022) Welker, Taylor; Misluk, Eileen; McCullough, Shannon
    This research explains and implements creating a proposal with art therapy and career counseling for high school systems while working with adolescents. Within the literature review, existing research has demonstrated that career counseling yields benefits in professional planning and satisfaction. The adolescence stage has many expected developmental tasks, including choosing a career about individual traits and strengths. Research also addresses influences relating to adolescent needs that may help or hinder career choices. To manage educational settings and conditions, the research discusses benefits and limitations. While research has provided understanding for career counseling, limited research combines both art therapy and career development. Art therapy research has highlighted many goals about self-awareness and empowering individuals to understand themselves. Comparisons of research on art therapy and career counseling provide evidence and information to create a program proposal for individual students. Career theories such as Holland’s Theory of Vocational Choice and Social Cognitive Career Theory go in-depth on clients' needs in this process. These theories also tie in three themes explored from existing art therapy literature, including identity, self-efficacy, and self-esteem.
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    Defining and Promoting Therapeutically Beneficial Interior Design
    (2023) Aquila, Benjamin; Misluk, Eileen; McCullough, Shannon
    Shelter benefits mental well-being in a more accessible fashion compared to traditional mental health services in the United States. This benefit can be exaggerated by interior design decisions that reduce stress and provide positive emotional experiences. A review of available literature defines therapeutically beneficial interior design strategies. Relaying these strategies through social media provides an easily available community resource for individuals and organizations to reference when intending to change or create spaces that promote occupants’ mental well-being.
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    Understanding First-Generation College Students’ Barriers: An Examination of Art Therapy Accessibility
    (2024) Cook, Kaylin; Misluk, Eileen; McCullough, Shannon
    The following study focused on first-generation college students (FGCS) and their relationship to art therapy, specifically asking the question, “How accessible is art therapy for first-generation college students, and what potential barriers do they face when seeking services?”. The study was conducted with 141 FGCS using a mixed methods approach of both qualitative and quantitative data, allowing for the collection of demographic data and insights into FGCS’ experiences. Participants were individuals whose parents had not obtained a four-year degree, were full-time students, and currently enrolled in a large urban midwestern university. Although FGCS reported a high number of barriers, including time availability and financial constraints, participants remained open to art therapy as a mental health service. A combination of high adverse childhood experiences and low mental health service utilization rates within predominately low-income FGCS showcases a high need for the push of art therapy interventions within the community. Future research should explore integrating art therapy services into community-based university engagement events to promote art therapy, analyzing the cost and benefit of such services, and eventually conducting a resiliency-based art therapy group study.