USF St. Petersburg campus Honors Program Theses (Undergraduate)

First Advisor

Catherine Wilkins, Ph.D.

Publisher

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2025

Date Issued

May 2025

Abstract

This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of the Art in Mind program at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, Florida, a therapeutic arts initiative designed for individuals with cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer’s disease, and their caregivers. Drawing inspiration from the Meet Me at MoMA model, the program uses guided art discussions, Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), and Personal Response Strategies (PRS) to promote social engagement, emotional well-being, and meaningful connections through art. Using pre- and post-tour surveys, the study assessed changes in participants’ mood, communication, and desire for social interaction. While quantitative analyses did not reveal statistically significant improvements, qualitative observations suggested that participants experienced positive engagement and enjoyment during the tours. Recognizing the limitations of self-report measures among individuals with cognitive impairment, the study also developed and pilot-tested the Art in Mind Caregiver Survey (AIMCS) to capture caregiver perspectives on program outcomes. Preliminary findings from the pilot study indicated positive effects for both caregivers and participants, including enhanced mood, strengthened social connections, increased reminiscence, and a greater sense of community. Overall, the research highlights the value of arts-based programming for individuals with cognitive impairment and suggests that caregiver feedback may provide an important complementary measure for evaluating program effectiveness and guiding future research. [adamsviole...olet Adams | PDF]

Comments

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the University Honors Program University of South Florida, St. Petersburg May 5, 2025.

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