Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Danielle Lavin-Loucks

College

Arts and Sciences

Discipline(s)

Sociology, Humanities

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-25-2024

Abstract

Processes of utilizing methods of creative expression and individuals’ documentations has been studied as a way to promote individual voice and identity, particularly in the contexts of educational and healthcare settings, as well as online spaces. However, studies on interventions of crafting one’s story and understanding the experiences of others have implied that these settings have often failed those that they serve by presenting limited ideas on what expression can look like. Through a series of ten qualitative interviews and a collection of personal journal entries from Valparaiso University students, this project furthers the notion that having the tools to express oneself allow us to better recognize one’s individual voices, and to understand how we relate to others. This project furthers the discussion on the importance of professionals promoting self construction tools of well being.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Cylia Srmek is currently a senior Social Work and Sociology major, as well as a Christ College Scholar, at Valparaiso University. Going into a helping profession, she is determined to promote agency and self-determination with participants she will be working with, and is eager to learn more about any skills or practices that may be utilized to achieve these goals. She believes that creative interventions that promote well being are highly needed and underappreciated in mental health fields.

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