Methodology for the study
The most practical methodology available was observational via video recording. Assuming oxytocin could be felt subjectively as a trusting impulse (Zak, 2012), moments of trust as felt subjectively in an art therapy group were chosen as a sampling strategy. Once moments of trust were identified, participants aimed to understand how that trust had been achieved.
The study aimed to explore the potential conflict between observation externally and processes which may only be felt internally. To this end the participants kept individual diaries of (internal) experience which could be correlated with moments identified (external) on video. The key focus of their project was to identify moments of trust as this was likely to represent a raise in oxytocin.
Given the very early stage of observational research in art therapy, it was unclear what risks this approach would place on those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Therefore, it was decided it would be more ethical to start by experimenting on art therapists rather than service users. While this created multiple limitations, particularly in forming a sample that did not represent the populations the authors aim to treat, it was argued that any understanding of attachment in art therapy would be a contribution to a sampling strategy at this early point. Art therapists have used themselves to experiment by making art and keeping a journal of the experience as a means of capturing the internal processes involved (Learmonth & Huckvale, 2013). The decision to use self-experiment assumed the attachment system was a common feature to all humans (there is only one brain) and that the processes involved could be observed. Moreover, it was argued that there may be reflective benefit for the participating therapist in increasing their understanding of the attachment process in the therapy they deliver by experiencing their own.
Recognising this approach represented only a first step in a very long-term research project, the aim was not to demonstrate points conclusively. Single cases have validity in generalising not to conclusions but to working hypotheses which can be then be tested (Cronbach, 1975).The project was characterised by speculative theorising to drive sampling for oxytocin and the actions that stimulate it in art therapy.