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Arts & Communication Art images and trauma in femicide orphans

4. Discussion and conclusions images, thereby improving emotional resilience and overall
mental health. Moreover, imaginative visualization can be
The aim of the present study was to investigate the used to create positive images that replace negative traumatic
effectiveness of an intervention utilizing art images in memories, helping individuals develop a more positive and
clinical aspects related to psychological trauma. Employing resilient perspective. As such, visualization promotes the
an experimental research design, we sought to investigate processing and healing of past traumas. Utilized as part of
the effectiveness of an intervention that used the “Trauma” a broader therapeutic approach, such as CBT or trauma-
and “Resources” categories from the Collection of Art focused exposure therapy, visualization of images can be
Images . The specific focus was on evaluating the an effective component. However, it is important to note
[18]
intervention’s capacity to reduce the impact of traumatic that employing imaginative visualization for processing
events, alleviate the frequency and severity of traumatic traumatic memories requires careful guidance from
symptoms, and increase the levels of psychological well- qualified professionals, given its emotionally intense and
being in a group of orphans of femicide.
potentially destabilizing process [24,27] .
The study’s findings indicated that both the “Trauma”
Existing literature suggests that there may be mediating
and “Art Image Resources” categories effectively mitigated and/or moderating variables that were not considered
the impact of traumatic events on the individual in the present study, which could potentially explain the
functioning of orphans of feminicide. The experimental observed effect. These variables include metacognitive
intervention demonstrated a capacity to alleviate the functions (e.g., self-monitoring of cognitive states and
interference posed by traumatic events on psychosocial emotional integration).
functioning, resulting in a reduced impact in the present
moment. Consistent with the American Psychiatric Concerning traumatic symptoms, the use of art images
Association’s (APA) definition of psychological trauma , appeared to have an impact on the severity of these
[10]
the use of art images appeared to reduce the perception symptoms, reducing the perception of overwhelming
of overwhelming traumatic experiences in relation to an trauma at present. However, no statistically significant
individual’s coping resources. The literature derived from effect was observed on the frequency of these symptoms.
esthetic studies supports the significance of utilizing art In other words, it appears that the use of art images
images as a means to unveil trauma and promote healing reduced the perception of the severity of the traumatic
potential [24-26] . Abbing et al. discovered that various visual symptoms, yet it did not alter the frequency of symptom
[29]
techniques, such as mandala design, collage making, and occurrence in the individual’s subjective experience. This
painting, effectively alleviated pre-examination anxiety. could possibly be attributed to the short time interval used
Wood et al. described the utilization of questionnaires, for the art image intervention (i.e., a 1-min exposure to
[30]
interviews, artwork, and therapist narratives in art therapy the images) and unaccounted intervening variables in the
interventions for cancer patients. In addition, Jin et al. study. For instance, factors such as the degree of attention
[31]
emphasized the significant psychological health benefits and level of distraction might have influenced stimulus
of clay, particularly in individual or group sessions for processing . The use of images, coupled with questions
[41]
children. Our findings align with existing literature while from the collection of art images intended to promote
highlighting the narrative component inherent to the art metacognition about one’s mental states, appears to
image collection, which aims to promote metacognition. contribute to reducing the perceived severity of symptoms.
This process resembles an emotional restructuring of the
The visualization of images facilitates the processing
of traumatic memories during psychotherapy in various narrated event, resulting in diminished impact despite the
frequency of symptoms remaining unchanged.
ways. First, imaginative visualization facilitates the safe
and controlled restoration and restructuring of fragmented The results of the study indicated that the use of
or disorganized traumatic memories. This enhances their the “Trauma” and “Resources” categories of art images
coherence and manageability, enabling individuals to increased the participants’ levels of psychological well-
address and process their traumatic experiences within a being. Specifically, the use of art images demonstrated
secure context. In addition, visualization aids in identifying effectiveness in promoting self-acceptance, autonomy,
and managing negative emotions and thoughts associated personal growth, the presence of life goals, positive
with traumatic memories, ultimately reducing anxiety and interpersonal relationships, and environmental mastery, in
[17]
fear. To facilitate the processing of traumatic memories, line with Ryff’s multidimensional conceptualization of
visualization of positive images contributes to improved psychological well-being. Plausibly, the use of art images
psychological well-being. Individuals can reduce their initiates the processing of information related to traumatic
anxiety and stress levels by focusing on pleasant or relaxing events, which, by acting on the emotional channel,

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2023) 9 https://doi.org/10.36922/ac.0337