Integral ecopsychological investigation of bonsai principles, meaning and healing
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Date
2013
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
Art therapy is very popular amongst therapists, and Bonsai art adds another dimension
to the intervention stratagem. One aspect of an intervention strategy is to reduce the
burden of mental illness and related conditions. Bonsai as an intervention combines
meditation, spirituality, responsibility and the ability to express oneself through
this timeless art. An international study was conducted of the habits, health and
spirituality of bonsai practitioners. Participants completed the Spirituality Scale, Patient
Health Questionnaire and the Quality of Life Scales, as well as a questionnaire
about their interest in Bonsai. Results indicated that although the participants were
not necessarily healthier than the general population, they experienced peace by
being actively involved in Bonsai. Bonsai is proposed as a new expanded category
of supportive therapeutic mechanism, along with an elaboration of expressive
therapeutic mechanisms such as when working in groups,such as hospitals,old
age homes and prisons.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2013.
Keywords
intervention --silence --spirituality --Bonsai --well-being --psychotherapy