The Expressive Instinct

Girija Kaimal is an Associate Professor in the PhD program in Creative Arts Therapies and Assistant Dean for Special Research Initiatives at the Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Foreword
Introduction
Premise
Guide map
Origins

Part I The Lay of the Land: Theories and Historical Perspectives on Creative Self-Expression

Chapter 1: Why Does Creative Self-Expression Matter?
Chapter 2: Philosophical Perspectives and Theories of Creative Self-Expression and Well-Being
Chapter 3: What our Ancestors Knew: Indigenous and Traditional Arts Practices and Health

Part II Embodied Expression: Physiological and Psychological Processes and Outcomes

Chapter 4: Receptive and Expressive Experiences: How We See, Create, and Make Narrative Sense of it All
Chapter 5: Evoking the Protectors Within: Neurobiological Indicators and Creative Self-Expression
Chapter 6: Tracking Creative Expression Through Imaging Tools

Part III Weathering Storms: Facilitating Creative Expression to Cope with Stress, Adversity and Trauma

Chapter 7: Creative Self-Expression by Ourselves and with Others
Chapter 8: "When Words are not Enough": Creative Self-Expression and Adversity in the Developing Years of Childhood and Youth
Chapter 9: Navigating Adversity in Adulthood Through Creative Self-Expression

Part IV Preparedness- Implications for Current and Future Work in Arts, Health and Well-Being

Chapter 10: The Prepared Warrior for Current Society
Chapter 11: What Lies Ahead? Research and Practices for the Future

Afterword
Acknowledgments
Glossary
References