Multiple Intelligences Theory and Expressive Therapy - Research Paper Example

 Introduction The human mind is like a ‘sponge,’ in which it absorbs and incorporates what it has ‘absorbed’ to the life of the human being in whatever way it can as the human lives out the rest of his days. In the events of the life that the human being experiences, the possibilities are limitless and how the human brain manages to ‘absorb’ the events would include a number of factors. The thesis by Adam Riccio brings to the world of knowledge a new point of view in the ties of the Expressive theory and Multiple Intelligences and the crossovers that happen when the theories are applied into different situations such as the classroom, the work place, and many more. Summary The thesis tries to define the relationship between Expressive theory and the theory of Multiple Intelligences. A number of literatures such as books, journals, and the like have been used in the study and including interviews from 4 professionals who apply one of the two theories into their work, the researcher was able to reach the conclusion that in using Multiple Intelligences and Expressive Therapy techniques, there is definitely a manner of understanding the way a person handles situations that he comes across in life. The relationship between the Multiple Intelligences theory and Expressive Therapy brought about the need to discover the ‘meaning’ of the relationship between the theories. In analyzing the different stands of the study, a qualitative research method was done in order to complete the need to discover this relationship. As a personal touch, the researcher modified the Grounded theory method of research when he came across data that needed to be analyzed and still managed to instill creativity in the research. A conclusion of the research was reached and it stated that the two theories have indirectly and directly been utilized in a number of fields and professions in the different branches of knowledge—this formed the relationship of that the two have shared although, it is not formal. The researcher believes that a stronger tie can be made in which professionals other than therapists and educators can use the method in each of their field of expertise. Insight Roughly, the thesis speaks of the intellect (multiple intelligences) and the feelings (expressive theory) the every individual has. The thesis managed to instill thinking concerning the right and left hemispheres of the brain since it is these hemispheres that process the information our bodies send to the mind. The left hemisphere of the brain processes information in a linear, logical, and sequential way unlike the right hemisphere which processes information in a holistic, intuitive, and random in manner. Furthermore, the left hemisphere focuses on thinking and logic while the right hemisphere uses feeling and emotion. Possible connections between the hemispheres of the brain and the two schools of thought were made because one school of thought focused mostly on either the right or left hemisphere of the brain, thus enhancing only one way of thinking for the human being. Through this, it can also be said that people who go through the assessment of multiple intelligences in school or learning experiences more than expressive therapy would mean that they are more logical and linear in thinking compared to the individuals exposed to the expressive theory. The people who were exposed to the expressive theory in their learning stages tend to be more emotional and in touch with their feelings. Other than the left and right hemispheres of the brain in making a connection with the two schools of thought, the concept of IQ (Intelligence quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) also comes to the foreground as these two concepts are also concerned with the thinking and emotions of an individual. EQ helps one live through life, whilst IQ helps one get through learning and school (Dunn, n.d.). IQ measures the cognitive and reasoning abilities of an individual and thus it can relate itself to the multiple intelligences which involve linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. EQ would gauge the emotional control of any person; a connection can be made with the expressive theory as it is a theory that focuses on how the individual feels. Connecting the two insights mentioned earlier, the IQ and the left hemisphere can be related to the multiple intelligences school of thought as both of the concepts rely on the intellect of an individual—how he thinks and analyzes a certain situation. The thinking and learning abilities of the individual is tested as he uses his left hemisphere of the brain to analyze problems that come his way, thus testing his intelligence quotient and thinking capabilities. The EQ and emotions that are processed by the right hemisphere of the brain can be used in the expressive theory as it seeks to analyze how the individual feels towards a certain situation. The emotions that are sent from the right hemisphere and into the body would test the EQ of the person as the controls of these emotions are the main focus. The better the control that is given by the right hemisphere of the brain, the better the EQ that is outputted and this will be analyzed with the expressive theory. Generally, the thought that can be derived from insights that have come up would have to be that the human brain does not function in a single manner all throughout its usage. It is a complex thing to understand the functions of a brain, with this said, there is not one theory in this entire world that would answer the entire discussion on the logical and the emotional hemispheres and quotients of the brain. The reason for the division is merely to identify the different processes and the abilities of the hemispheres and quotients but it needs to be pointed out that both are necessary to become mentally, spiritually, and physically healthy in a society. Both sides of the mind are necessary to think well and feel well thus the need to balance the two parts of the brain along with the intelligence quotient and the emotional quotient of any human being. Writing as a therapy There are times when painful experiences occur in life and in order to function properly once more and contribute once more to the betterment of a community, the individual needs to heal himself. Healing is a method where an individual takes a break from all the work just to do a maintenance check on the aspects of his being: the mind, the body, and the soul. During the maintenance period, there are a good number of healing ways to go about it. These are also known as therapies, and in the different therapies, each can administer to the healing of a person although, it is not possible for a single therapy alone to heal entirely the different experiences of a variety of people go through. Malchiodi (2005) considered writing literature as part of the expressive therapies along with art therapy, dance therapy, drama therapy, and music therapy that are used in different practices and professions. The writing therapy uses forms of writing to aid the individual in their anxieties and worries in their lives. The therapy is meant for people who are not confident of their speaking abilities and manage to let others hear their ‘voice’ through their writing. One can use the essay, memoir, short stories, and the like to find a possible outlet for the bent up emotions that any individual might have felt from personal experiences. Cohen believed that literature is used as a self-help basis (as cited in Mazza, 2003, p. 34). In relation to this, it is believed by a number of therapists around the world that writing can be considered as a healing art. It is through writing that a form of help arrives in the search of the writer’s find their feelings and manage to insert it in their memoirs, diaries, journals, short stories, and even through personal essays. Providing insights, reflective thoughts, and sometimes suggestions in writing helps deepen the understanding of the self and assists in the journey towards self-discovery (Selig, 2000). It is through the writing that the reader can try to identify with the emotions that are felt by the writer—in a way, it gives a sense of liberation as the reader would reflect on what the writer has written down. Writing deeply and honestly can ease the personally painful experiences of the writer and elevate self-esteem in time once they are comfortable with the voice they had managed to attain in all of their writing expeditions (Ridgway & Griffith, 2002). It is clear that writing has so much to offer to the world rather than just a form of entertainment and academic purpose to improve thinking, grammar, and spelling. Writing down emotions and feelings towards a certain event experienced by the writer would reflect how he handled the situation and would prove as a catharsis at some point. It may improve both the physical and mental health of a person; it is there to assist and aid the person in coping with the difficulties that he has at hand. It helps relieve depression and traumatic experiences and through the therapy, a feeling of self control can be felt throughout the entire process and getting a better grip in understanding their actions and thoughts can be developed as well as patience in oneself. Different forms of writing and different styles adhere to the different ways of expressing the emotions felt by any human being. Writing is a commitment that helps one reflect on the events that he experiences in life—sad moments, happy moments, relationships, and many more. Writing is not limited to those who are sick or lonely; it is for everyone to experience. What needs to be remembered is that it is not the output that causes the success of the therapy but the process that one goes through in writing. Conclusion Writing is a good means of exercise in terms of creativity and logical thinking as it instills the individual to create something without losing a sense of logic in the work and the thesis was able to open the doors to that thought. In the field of expressive, this can become one of the major outlets for people who cannot or do not want to use their body to move around in order to express how they feel or use their voice to speak out their emotions. Expressive therapy literature can be used for people who are unable to speak or move around compared to other people, at least, this way, they can express how they feel without much problems. THESIS ABSTRACT (copy) Adam J. Riccio April 29th, 2010 An Introductory Inquiry into The Relationship Between the Theory of Multiple Intelligences and Expressive Therapy This thesis is an introductory study that asks a simple question: What is the relationship between Expressive Therapy and the Theory of Multiple Intelligences? In reviewing the current literature surrounding these two fields and their crossovers in practice, genesis and definitions of the fields of study (including the specific Intermodal Expressive Therapy studies used) and the term intelligence are examined in order to gain perspective on how these terms and practices are currently understood. Through this qualitative, modified grounded theory approach, I interviewed four professionals (two Expressive Therapists and two educators who utilize Multiple Intelligences) about elements involved in their work, their conception of intelligence, and relational elements the practices share. The discussion revisits the thesis questions in order to synthesize this introductory relationship that has been in place before this thesis was conceived. The concept of relational multiplicity is discussed as it is proposed to be the link between these alternative methods to understand education and the helping relationship. Keywords: Multiple Intelligences, Intermodal Expressive Therapy, understanding, relationship, strength, weakness References Dunn, S. (n.d.). Distinctions: EQ v. IQ. Retrieved from http://www.frugalmarketing.com/dtb/eq-iq.shtml Malchiodi. C.A. (2005). Expressive therapies: History, theory, and practice. NY: Guilford Publications. Mazza, N. (2003). Poetry therapy: Theory and practice. NY: Brunner-Routledge. Riccio, A. (2010). An introductory inquiry into the relationship between the theory of multiple intelligences and expressive therapy (Masteral thesis, Lesley University, 2010). Thesis for the degree of Masters of Arts in Expressive Therapy. Ridgway, L., & Griffith, D. (2002). Struggles: Writing as healing. Literacy and health, 5 (C), 11-14. Selig, I. (2000). Write to the heart! Retrieved from http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/write2heart/#Why. Read More