Date Presented

Spring 4-2026

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. Price Blair

Second Advisor

Dr. Allison B. Jablonski

Third Advisor

Ms. Sierra Schnieder

Abstract

Art therapy has been increasingly recognized as a complementary intervention in healthcare settings, with demonstrated benefits for stress reduction and overall biopsychosocial well-being (Liu 2022; Magsamen, 2014). However, limited research has explored aesthetic engagement within medically underserved and economically disadvantaged populations. This study uses the Aesthetic Responsiveness Assessment to examine the relationship between art and patients receiving care at the Central Virginia Free Clinic in Lynchburg. The survey consists of 14 Likert-scale questions assessing individuals’ cumulative aptitude across three domains: aesthetic appreciation, intense aesthetic experience, and creative behavior. There was an additional 15th qualitative question that assessed the desire for patients to participate in art activities if provided free of cost. Twenty-eight survey responses were collected voluntarily and anonymously, and each response was analyzed to better understand how patients in an underserved community perceive art and the frequency with which they engage in art-related activities. Findings suggested that there was a significant difference between the aesthetic appreciation score and the creative behavior score among the participants, highlighting the potential relevance of aesthetic and art-based interventions within free clinic settings. Using this research, future studies can assess the differences in aesthetic experiences among populations separated by economic barriers, and evaluate the potential benefits of adding art to a free clinic setting.

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