Abstract General Information

Title

Art Therapy and the tale Alice in Wonderland as a facilitator of self-perception and self-knowledge in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: Among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), the development of stress, depression and anxiety is common. Art therapy through expressive resources can be a facilitating channel for better understanding of oneself, self-perception, self-knowledge and well-being. The tale “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, brings in its characters, symbolic content that can help to reflect about our feelings, behaviors and emotions. Objectives: To show the influence of Art Therapy on self-knowledge and well-being through self-perception. Methods: group formed by 5 patients with MS between 43 and 72 years old. Assessment instruments: psychological analysis by the HTP (house, tree, person) graphism test applied at the beginning and end of the process, and participants' testimony. The activities were developed based on the tale Alice in Wonderland, through the use of expressive techniques as drawing, collages, painting, yarn work and creative writing, in 16 face-to-face art therapy workshops lasting 1:30 hours, once a week. Results: There was an increase in self-esteem, self-confidence, perception of reality, greater contact with oneself and one's limitations, acceptance of the need for support, decrease in insecurity, anxiety, depression, feelings of impotence and inadequacy in the group. Conclusion: Art Therapy combined with the “Alice in Wonderland” tale can positively contribute to self-perception and self-knowledge in patients with MS, helping to promote greater self-understanding and well-being.