*The author chooses not to capitalize her name and goes by first name heather and surname michel riddle. This inquiry examines the strengths of male art therapists and art therapy students using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) survey that measures character strengths. Among this sample of 21 men, two signature strengths emerged most often and had the highest total scores: "curiosity and interest in the world" and "appreciation of beauty and excellence." Connections are made between these signature strengths and assumptions in the literature regarding qualities art therapists possess. Thoughts and questions are posed highlighting possible implications of this data for the men who participated in the study, men in the field, and the larger art therapy community.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Riddle et al. (2007) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 3 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: