Abstract
Can reading and writing poetry truly help to heal? Researchers have found that there is something about poetry that helps those suffering with both mental and physical illness to heal. When reading poetry people are able to learn that their experiences are somewhat universal. People can read how someone else has dealt with similar issues that they are dealing with themselves and figure out their own coping mechanisms. When someone writes poetry it is a way of release. They are letting their emotions flow freely and thinking through their emotions. They may even realize feelings that they didn’t know that they had. All of this can be healing. The power of poetry isn’t just speculation. A case study that tested the theory of healing with poetry found that those who spend time reading and writing poetry score lower on the Kessler-10 scale. Another study, dealing with children at risk of PTSD, found that when using tools such as poetry the students could grow to be less at risk and become better at dealing with their PTSD. I, myself, have used poetry to heal past trauma in my life. My healing process is illustrated in the poetry in my creative thesis chapbook Flowers and Weeds.
Semester/Year of Award
Spring 5-12-2018
Mentor
Julie Hensley
Mentor Professional Affiliation
English and Theatre
Access Options
Restricted Access Thesis
Document Type
Bachelor Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Department
Clinical Therapeutic Programs
Department Name when Degree Awarded
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Recommended Citation
Ott, Destinee K., "Beautiful, Accessible, Medicine: The Healing Power of Poetry as Evidence in my chapbook – Flowers and Weeds" (2018). Honors Theses. 545.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/545
