Description as social construction in UK art therapy research

ABSTRACT

This opinion paper argues that a third wave of UK art therapy research is currently progressing by more fully applying the scientific method, but continues to be hampered in doing so by poor use of descriptive terms. Social constructionism is used to critique this problem in the wider mental health research field. The epistemology is outlined, with particular reference to essentialism and power in language in areas such as diagnosis. These concepts are then applied to the notion of the embodied image as an example of historical art therapy theory construction. The article argues that such theory was a product of a time and context that has changed and that new opportunities for research have developed. However, to fully gain from the present research context, art therapists must strengthen their use of taxonomy and embrace theoretical agnosticism. These changes may be unfamiliar and possibly painful but offer an ethical and effective way to engage with wider scientific communities.

KEYWORDS:

• Art therapy research
• social constructionism
• anti-essentialism
• taxonomy
• epistemology

Acknowledgements

I wish to thank Professors Paul Camic, Jan Dewling and Theo Stickley for the quality of their many challenges and suggestions throughout the development of this epistemological position statement.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Dr Neil Springham trained in art therapy in 1988 and has worked in adult mental health, addictions and now specialises in personality disorder treatment. He was a course leader at the Unit of Psychotherapeutic Studies, Goldsmiths College, co-founded the Art Therapy Practice Research Network and was twice elected Chair of the British Association of Art Therapists. He has a PhD in psychology and is currently a consultant art therapist in the UK National Health Service, where he founded ResearchNet, a service user and provider collaboration that develops co-produced research in mental health. He has published and lectured internationally on a wide range of issues in art therapy, co-production and experience-based co-design. Email: [email protected]