Faculty Articles

Can History’s Most Inspirational Woman Warrior Joan of Arc serve as an enduring model of empowerment for women with a cancer diagnosis?

Publication Title

Advances in Mind Body Medicine

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Abstract

Can History’s Most Inspirational Woman Warrior Joan of Arc serve as an enduring model of empowerment for women with a cancer diagnosis? Janet Lynn Roseman, Phd., M.S., R-DMT. Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Keywords: cancer, empowerment, women, Joan of Arc, arts based medicine. Abstract: Although, there are many research studies that have proven that arts based medicine is a viable and effective medical strategy to help people with cancer improve quality of life-the use of arts based strategies using a figure from history as a source of support to help improve quality of life has not been documented. This study, conducted with a small group of women cancer survivors shows that the use of arts based medicine in general is effective and most particularly, the use of Joan of Arc as a model for empowerment is particularly effective. After 10 women survivors of cancer participated in this 6 week pilot study workshop that included arts based medicine and meditations (based on a book written by the author) they indicated in a survey that they were feeling “less anxiety and fear”, and noted that they felt that they had “an improved quality of life,” and felt “more empowered” as it related to their psychological frame of mind. In addition, when asked about the effectiveness of their communications with their physicians (ability to express and discuss their psycho-social and physical needs combined), they also indicated on the survey that they felt their communications were “improved.”

Volume

1

Issue

Winter

First Page

23

Last Page

7

Disciplines

Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy

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