Pedagogy and Professional Development

Exploring Fashion Design Pedagogy for Mental Health Therapy and Wellness

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Abstract

For this pilot study, ten students enrolled in an Apparel Design Independent Study/Creative Design coure. Over the course of the semester students were engaged in multiple reflection activities, and in-class creative activities. The course was designed to create a unique, collaborative learning environment which enhances students' emotional well-being and help them build confidence and coping skills.  Student reflections contained keywords such as empowerment, determination, collaboration, patience, creativity to process emotions, experimentation, innovation, shared pain to strengthen bonds, self expression, teamwork, regulation, and artistic freedom.  These projects helped the students to use expressive arts therapy concepts as a path to managing the wellness of their mental health on a dailly basis. The students expressed their emotions through their creativity and developed a strong sense of togetherness. Thus, this pilot study concluded that fashion design curriculum can be an effective expressive therapy platform for college students to improve their mental health.

 

 

Keywords: mental health, fashion, art, anxiety, peer-led communication, pedagogy

How to Cite:

Anderson, R., Balasubramanian, M. & Dodd, S., (2025) “Exploring Fashion Design Pedagogy for Mental Health Therapy and Wellness”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.22073