Art as Medicine: Exploring the Intersection of African Cultural Practices and Art Therapy to Examine its Efficacy in Pain Management and Healing Among Black Women with Lupus

This thesis examined the intersection of chronic illness and systemic inequities faced by Black women living with lupus. These women often encountered unique challenges in managing their health and well-being, exacerbated by both the physical and sociocultural implications of the disease. Through a Black Feminist/Womanist theoretical lens, this research investigated the potential of art therapy to serve as a transformative instrument for pain management and healing when infused with culturally relevant practices. Employing a narrative approach and qualitative methodology, this study explored the lived experiences of African American women with lupus, incorporating their art and personal stories to inform the inquiry. The qualitative study aimed to address two central research questions: (1) How does art therapy serve as a cogent coping instrument for African American women with lupus in managing chronic illness? (2) In what ways can Black Feminist/Womanist theory be applied to art therapy to create a culturally relevant framework for therapeutic practices designed to foster healing and empowerment? The imperative necessity of culturally tailored therapeutic interventions was underscored by this research, particularly given the disproportionate impact of lupus on Black women, who are three times more likely to develop the disease than white women. By integrating art therapy directive techniques with a Black Feminist/Womanist framework, the study aimed to develop evidence-based outcomes that support the creation of more effective, culturally aligned therapeutic practices for African American women with lupus.