Navigating adversity in adulthood through creative self-expression

Abstract

Abstract This chapter focuses on how adults can navigate trauma and adversity through self-expression. Creative self-expression plays a unique role in the times of adversity and challenges that we all inevitably face in life. Trauma and adversity across the lifespan can be mitigated with artistic practices. These creative expressive options are on a continuum, with distraction on one end and transformation, by making sense of our experiences, on the other. Stress and trauma might devastate us but they can also transform us, as seen in recent research on creative and post-traumatic growth. Our creative capacity as humans has helped us cope, innovate, adapt, and learn, especially in times of difficulty and adversity. In this chapter, the author shares specific examples where art therapy can been useful, including cancer patients and caregivers and military service members with post-traumatic stress.