Date of Award

Spring 1978

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Humanistic Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Alex Vilumsons

Second Advisor

Valerie Simms

Abstract

Valerie Rope’s 1978 thesis, The Development of Creative Self-Expression: A Right-Hemispheric Approach, explores how engaging the brain’s right hemisphere fosters creativity and emotional well-being. Rooted in humanistic psychology, the study examines the dichotomous functions of the brain’s hemispheres—where the left hemisphere processes analytical and verbal tasks, and the right hemisphere governs intuition, spatial awareness, and artistic expression.

Rope details how early childhood experiences shape creative development, emphasizing that many individuals experience creative blocks due to left-brain dominance reinforced by traditional education. She presents a right-hemispheric approach to drawing and painting that helps individuals overcome these barriers. Techniques such as contour drawing, negative space awareness, and circumscribed drawing allow for a natural, uninhibited artistic process. The study also highlights the emotional benefits of creative self-expression, linking it to psychological well-being.

Through workshops and classroom experiences, Rope demonstrates how children use art to navigate emotions, resolve conflicts, and express grief. The study concludes that fostering right-brain engagement not only enhances artistic ability but also contributes to personal growth and self-discovery. Her findings advocate for a more holistic, experience-based approach to art education that prioritizes creative exploration over rigid technical instruction.

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