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The Effects of Mindful Coloring on State Mindfulness, Anxiety, and Stress

Schultz, Heather Rae

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Arts, University of Toledo, Psychology - Clinical.
Adult coloring books have recently surged in popularity, with five of Amazon’s top fifteen bestsellers being adult coloring books at the end of 2015 (Ingram, 2015). Using intricate patterns, geometric shapes, and abstract designs, adult coloring books are sold not only as creative and artistic outlets, but are marketed as a “mindful exercise” and a way to eliminate stress and decrease anxiety (Farrarons, 2015). Despite their current popularity, knowledge regarding the purported benefits of adult coloring books largely stems from personal accounts and little is known regarding the efficacy of coloring as a “mindfulness exercise.” Literature points to the use of structured coloring, opposed to free coloring, as being beneficial in reducing anxiety and increasing psychological health and well-being (Curry & Kasser, 2005). The present study evaluated the effects of coloring activities (structured and unstructured) versus a mind wandering control task on state mindfulness, state anxiety, and stress levels in a randomized controlled study. It was hypothesized that structured coloring, as opposed to unstructured coloring or mind wandering, would demonstrate a significantly greater increase in state mindfulness and a significantly greater decrease in both state anxiety and stress levels. Contrary to predictions, mixed results were found between individual measures of state mindfulness and state anxiety. However, results did reveal a significant increase in state mindfulness from pretest to posttest for both structured coloring and unstructured coloring on the State Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and a significant decrease in state anxiety as measured by the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) State form for both structured and unstructured coloring. Crucially, although the state MAAS and Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS) are both purported to measure state mindfulness, unexpected significant negative correlations were observed between the measures. With regard to changes in state anxiety and stress as measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21), a significant decrease in both anxiety and stress from pretest to posttest was observed for all three groups, with no significant difference between the structured coloring, unstructured coloring, and mind wandering groups. The results, limitations, and implications for future research on mindfulness and coloring are discussed.
Wesley Bullock, PhD (Committee Chair)
Peter Mezo, PhD (Committee Member)
Jason Rose, PhD (Committee Member)
53 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Schultz, H. R. (2017). The Effects of Mindful Coloring on State Mindfulness, Anxiety, and Stress [Master's thesis, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1504005638593573

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Schultz, Heather. The Effects of Mindful Coloring on State Mindfulness, Anxiety, and Stress. 2017. University of Toledo, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1504005638593573.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Schultz, Heather. "The Effects of Mindful Coloring on State Mindfulness, Anxiety, and Stress." Master's thesis, University of Toledo, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1504005638593573

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)