Can Coloring Mandalas Reduce Anxiety? Nancy A. Curry and Tim Kasser, Galesburg, IL Abstract This study examined the effectiveness of different types of art activities in the reduction of anxiety. This study examined the effectiveness of different types of art activities in the reduction of anxiety.
After undergoing a brief anxiety-induction, 84 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to color a mandala, to color a plaid form, or to color on a blank piece of paper. Results demonstrated that anxiety levels declined approximately the same for the mandala. The findings suggest that mandala coloring and free drawing are equally effective coloring techniques to achieve anxiety reduction.
More high. Here are some suggestions for how you can go beyond basic coloring and use mandalas as tools to reduce anxiety. Chances are when you read the word "mandala," your mind conjures images of intricate patterns and designs, either in black and white or in full color.
Objectives Coloring mandalas has been consistently associated with reduced self-reported anxiety. While much of the literature attributes its anxiety-reducing properties to mindfulness, this has not yet been empirically tested. The current study examined mindfulness and other potential mechanisms of action, including flow, the undoing effect (through enjoyment), and distraction from anxious.
As a proof-of-concept to the critical and contradictory literature surrounding coloring books, the initial exploration assessed whether mandala coloring, which is suggested to be a mindfulness practice, increased mindfulness and decreased anxiety above a random art activity that related to freely drawing on a piece of paper. Method Participants. Coloring books centered around mandalas and other patterns are especially popular because they take coloring from a simple art activity to an easy and low.
The repetitive motion of coloring can mimic the effects of meditation, leading to a decrease in anxiety levels. As you focus on the task at hand-choosing colors and staying within the lines-your body can enter a state of relaxation. This response can lower heart rates and reduce cortisol levels, contributing to an overall feeling of peace.
This experimental study replicated Curry and Kasser's (2005) research that tested whether coloring a mandala would reduce anxiety. After inducing an anxious mood via a writing activity, participants were randomly assigned to three groups that colored either on a mandala design, on a plaid design, or on a blank paper. Anxiety level was measured with the State Anxiety Inventory at baseline.
Abstract This study examined the effectiveness of different types of art activities in the reduction of anxiety. After undergoing a brief anxiety-induction, 84 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to color a mandala, to color a plaid form, or to color on a blank piece of paper. Results demonstrated that anxiety levels declined approximately the same for the mandala.