Date of Graduation

8-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Design in Communication or Design (MDES)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Art

Advisor/Mentor

Hernandez, Gaby

Committee Member

Miles, Jessica

Second Committee Member

Slone, Ryan

Keywords

Comics; Narrative Therapy; Sequential Art

Abstract

Storytelling has long served as a vital mechanism for preserving cultural heritage, transmitting values, and fostering intergenerational connection (Moeshlin, 2024). Despite this significance, graphic narratives such as comics and graphic novels have been historically marginalized—dismissed as trivial “children’s media” or reduced to entertainment rather than recognized as culturally resonant tools (McCloud, 1993). This marginalization intensified as comics evolved to depict adult themes and, at times, harmful stereotypes, triggering social backlash that stigmatized their utility for younger audiences (Segran, 2020). Consequently, scholarly exploration of comics’ therapeutic potential has stagnated, hindered by the medium’s tumultuous history. This study bridges this gap by investigating how participatory-designed narrative tools can harness comics’ unique strengths to support mental health. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Ryan & Deci, 2000), which identifies autonomy, competence, and relatedness as pillars of psychological well-being, the research integrates principles of narrative therapy, play therapy, and participatory design (PD) into a novel framework termed comicboarding. By centering users as co-creators in the design process, this approach seeks to empower marginalized individuals—particularly young adults aged 16-20 in Black communities—to engage in self-expressive storytelling that addresses their psychological needs. The primary outcome is a prototype narrative comic toolbook designed to guide users in crafting visual narratives, fostering emotional well-being through creative agency and participatory engagement. This work advances comics’ recognition as legitimate therapeutic tools while offering practical, culturally responsive strategies for mental health intervention. Ultimately, it underscores the transformative potential of user-centered, visually driven storytelling to amplify marginalized voices and promote healing.

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