Unlocking conflict through creative expression

This study looks at art therapy, its relationship to conflict, and subsequently conflict resolution. It introduces a new concept called the conflict ladder based on theory developed by Alan K. Cooper. The study addresses the quantitative aspects of the theory with the practical intervention needed by art therapists. One hundred individuals were sampled, given a list of conflict-related words, and asked to make a line related to each word. They were further asked to create a line drawing about a positive or negative qualitative experience. The quantitative results had high inter-rater reliability and gave clear support for Cooper's Conflict Ladder as an instrument to further measure conflict for art therapists. The qualitative findings were consistent with the quantitative findings, clearly supporting the practical application of the instrument and furthering exploration and investigation of art therapy as a tool for assessment of conflict and avenue for therapeutic reduction of conflict.

Research highlights▶ Exploration of art therapy, conflict, and resolution as it applies to Cooper's conflict ladder. ▶ Participants were given a word list, asked to make a line, and create a positive or negative drawing. ▶ Quantitative results had high inter-rater reliability for Cooper's Conflict ladder as an instrument. ▶ Qualitative findings clearly support the application of the Cooper's Conflict ladder instrument. ▶ Continue investigation for art therapy assessment of conflict and use in conflict reduction.