Dylan Stevens with hand carved bronze vambrace

Author: Dylan Stevens | Major: Psychology | Semester: Spring 2023

In the research that is being funded by the Honors College, I am investigating the intricate relationship between emotional regulation, engagement in creative activities, and their influence on depression and anxiety. By exploring this connection, my findings  have the potential to provide valuable insights into the role of creative outlets in mental health management. Through increased awareness, my research aims to see if creative activities are often done in ways that reflect beneficial regulation strategies or hurtful ones.

Driven by a deep interest in mental health and creative expression, I began with a research journey to investigate the relationship between emotional regulation, engagement in creative activities, and their impact on depression and anxiety. To navigate these complex fields I sought the guidance of Dr. Matt Judah and Dr. Darya Zabelina. Their knowledge and passion for the subject made them the perfect mentor to guide me throughout my research.

Discoveries and Self-Growth:

Through my research, I learned about the intricate interplay between emotional regulation and mental health. I explored the potential of creative activities as a means of regulating emotions, understanding how engaging in art, music, writing, or other forms of creativity can provide a therapeutic outlet for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety. This journey of discovery not only deepened my understanding of the topic but also fostered personal growth by enhancing my empathy and compassion for those struggling with mental health challenges.

Research endeavors often present challenges, and my project was no exception. I encountered obstacles such as obtaining reliable data, navigating the complexities of measuring emotional regulation, and addressing ethical considerations in mental health research. However, I overcame these challenges through persistence, adaptability, and seeking guidance from my mentor. Additionally, collaboration with peers and consultation with other faculty members provided valuable insights and support throughout the research process.          Dr. Judah played a pivotal role in my research journey. He provided invaluable guidance, helping me shape my research questions, refine my methodology, and critically analyze my findings. Dr. Zabelina offered her expertise in the creativity field and led me down beneficial research paths, as well as clearing up some confusing-to-me creativity scales. Their expertise and mentorship allowed me to navigate the complexities of the topic with confidence. Moreover, the support and collaboration from fellow students helped me persevere through the difficulty that is remaining with a topic and a research methodology, even one as relatively simple as this!

This research project is still ongoing, and is expected to be done in the fall! Once that is complete I will defend my thesis based upon these findings and I will graduate with my B.A. in Psychology. Though none of the rest of this post mentions it, I am actually an avid rock climber! Once I graduate I plan to move to somewhere with some sweet, sweet rocks.

Conclusion:

Embarking on this thesis journey to unravel the connection between emotional regulation, engagement in creative activities, depression, and anxiety has been an enlightening experience. Through careful exploration, I hope to gain valuable insights into the way people use their creative activities in regards to mood.