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Arts & Communication Art images and trauma in femicide orphans

factors such as the frequency and severity of trauma only in their overall PTSD symptoms but also in their
symptoms . symptoms pertaining to avoidance and hyperarousal.
[14]
The scientific literature has identified certain variables Moreover, participants conveyed a feeling of increased
that are particularly interesting in relation to the traumatic empowerment and bolstered coping mechanisms in the
experience of orphans of feminicide, a realm that remains aftermath of the intervention.
inadequately explored within the Italian context. These Expressive writing involves the writing of traumatic
variables include the impact of traumatic events on daily experiences to facilitate emotional processing and
life and psychosocial functioning, trauma symptoms, and improve mental health. When combined with art therapy,
psychological well-being. expressive writing is effective for alleviating PTSD
The impact of traumatic events encompasses short- and symptoms in survivors of interpersonal violence. For
[21]
long-term effects that traumatic episodes can exert on an example, Nan et al. investigated the effectiveness of
individual’s functional capacity. These effects manifest a combination of expressive writing and art therapy in
through intrusion, avoidance, and hyper-arousal, all reducing PTSD symptoms in survivors of interpersonal
stemming from a disruption in the information processing violence. The intervention involved a series of sessions in
system. This disruption subsequently reduces awareness of which participants were asked to create art and write about
one’s internal mental states . their experiences. The study found that the combination of
[15]
expressive writing and art therapy effectively reduced PTSD
Trauma symptoms necessitate examination through symptoms in the participants. Specifically, the participants
a dual lens, encompassing both their frequency and showed significant improvement in their symptoms
severity. Specifically, the frequency of trauma symptoms related to re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal.
indicates how frequently an individual experiences Furthermore, participants attested to an augmented
trauma symptoms and their psychological correlates (e.g., connection with their emotional states and heightened
emotional numbing and avoidance). In contrast, severity coping abilities in the aftermath of the intervention.
pertains to the perception of symptoms as strongly
overwhelming and the perception of overwhelm and Mindfulness-based art therapy combines mindfulness
disorganization of the individuals’ self-defense system . meditation with art to promote healing and improve mental
[16]
health. This therapeutic approach has proven efficacious,
Regarding psychological well-being, it can be particularly in mitigating PTSD symptoms among veterans.
defined, in line with Ryff’s conceptualization, as a For example, Malchiodi investigated the effectiveness
[17]
[22]
multidimensional and dynamic process resulting from the of a mindfulness-based art therapy program in reducing
integration of multiple aspects of positive psychological PTSD symptoms in veterans. The program encompassed
functioning inherent in human fulfillment (e.g., self- various mindfulness and art-making exercises, spanning
acceptance, autonomy, personal growth, the presence of a mediums such as drawing, painting, and collage. The study
life purpose, constructive interpersonal connections, and found that the mindfulness-based art therapy program
adept management of one’s environment). was effective in ameliorating PTSD symptoms among
Within the scientific landscape, a promising avenue for veterans. Specifically, the participants showed significant
addressing clinical conditions (including those intertwined improvement in symptoms related to re-experiencing,
with trauma [18,19] ) revolves around the utilization of art avoidance, and hyperarousal. Furthermore, participants
images. attested to a heightened connection with their emotions
and an augmented ability to navigate their traumatic
Art therapy, a psychotherapeutic approach harnessing
art to promote healing and improve mental health, has experiences following the intervention.
demonstrated efficacy in mitigating PTSD symptoms Narrative therapy stands as a psychotherapeutic
among trauma survivors. For example, Lande et al. modality designed to facilitate individuals in reframing
[20]
conducted a controlled pilot study to evaluate the their experiences and creating new narratives for
effectiveness of therapeutic art-making intervention in themselves. Harnessing art to construct a narrative about
reducing PTSD symptoms among female survivors of a traumatic event has surfaced as an effective way of aiding
childhood sexual abuse. The intervention encompassed survivors of sexual violence in processing their experiences
using various art materials aimed at facilitating the and alleviating PTSD symptoms. For example, Kassam-
[23]
participants’ emotional release related to their trauma Adams and Butler provide an overview of traumatic
experiences. The study found the intervention’s potency stress and the role of art therapy in trauma intervention.
in ameliorating PTSD symptoms in the participants. They also discuss various art therapy techniques that have
Specifically, significant improvements were observed not been used to address trauma, including the utilization of

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2023) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/ac.0337