| The purpose of this study is to explore how the use of natural materials in art therapy can benefit urban adults who experience some level of job stress and do not have frequent opportunities to spend time in nature. The research method used was organic inquiry (which included the phases of preparation, inspiration, integration), in addition to art-based research. Nine participants (6 females and 3 males) were recruited for the study. Of the 9 participants, 4 exemplars were selected for additional in-depth study. Participants (a) had to be at least 21 years old, (b) were graduate students and/or urban-working adults who had indoor jobs, (c) were in good physical and mental health, (d) had experienced moderate to high levels of school-related and/or job-related stress, (e) lacked opportunities to spend time in nature, and (f) experienced mental and emotional disconnection from the natural world. For data collection, each participant had a 1-on-1 session with the researcher for up to 2 hours, and each completed 3 exercises. The data analysis revealed 8 sub-themes, related to participants' transformative changes, such as increased connection with self and nature, relief of work-related stress, balance, centeredness, as well as greater creativity, imagination, intuition, and playfulness. The study culminates with the researcher's own creative integration and reflections on the study's findings. Limitation, delimitation, and recommendations for future research are discussed as well. The study concluded that creative expression with natural materials enabled urban-working adults, who have indoor jobs to experience stress relief and personal awareness of the potential for meaningful changes through connection with nature. |
