College students experience a considerable amount of stress, not only with managing their schoolwork and responsibilities, but also within their intimate partner relationships. This study was a multifaceted qualitative investigation of how creative activities affect college students’ ability to cope with relational conflict and stress.
Seven participants (4 males, 3 females, M age=22) were asked to complete a short survey, do a creative activity, and participate in a semi structured focus group interview (males and females separately). Participants were asked to think about a problem or conflict they experienced with a recent or past significant romantic partner that caused emotional stress. They were asked to draw something that reflects their feelings and emotions about the conflict situation, and then write about the process and outcomes of the conflict reflected in their drawing. A phenomenological approach was taken to analyze the focus group results. Results were confirmed with two group facilitators who independently assessed the interview data through their notes. Three main themes emerged from participating in the creative drawing and writing activity: (1) undergoing the process of evaluating and re-evaluating the conflict; (2) moving from the heart to the head; and (3) examining the role of each person in the conflict. Although two participants reported their conflict was unresolved, two stated it could not be resolved, and three said it was resolved, they all reflected on their emotions and outcomes as they re-evaluated the process of the conflict situation. All of the participants were able to utilize the creative activity to move from their heart, observing their subjective, feelings and emotions—to their head, analyzing and thinking objectively about their situation. During the creative activity, students reported increased anxiety and decreased positive mood. However, after it was over they were able to re-evaluate the process, and stated that they felt humorous, calm, relieved, and peaceful afterwards. Finally, while doing the creative activity, participants acknowledged the role of each person in the conflict. Interestingly, the males did a better job of perspective taking: females mainly talked from their perspective, while males examined both perspectives understanding their partner’s point of view. Findings help broaden our understanding of how artistic and written expression can help individuals cope with relational conflict through a process of re-evaluations of the situation, we will discuss further how creative activities can be applied to coping with intimate partner violence.
