Colouring books and art helps reduce stress level in adults- Study
Taking time out for colouring books after a tough day at work can help you feel better after a long day at work, although it may not leave as lasting impact on your mood as actual art therapy can, new research suggests. "The main takeaway is that colouring has some limited benefits like reducing stress and negative mental states," said one of the researchers Girija Kaimal, Assistant Professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia, US. "But it does not shift anything else of substance, develop relationships, nor result in any personal development," Kaimal added. The study, published in the Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal, showed that colouring alone does have some positive effect, even though it not be as potent as art therapy. The researchers ran two, separate 40-minute exercises, one consisting of pure colouring and the other involving direct input from an art therapist, to see if one of the other led to significant differences in mood and stress levels. Every participant -- ranging in age from 19 to 67 -- took part in each exercise. In the pure colouring exercise, the participants coloured in a pattern or design. Although an art therapist was in the room, participants were put in an "open studio" situation, where an art therapist was present and able to facilitate the session, as well as provide guidance and support to process the experience and artwork. Perceived stress levels went down by at roughly the same levels for both exercises - 10 per cent for colouring; 14 percent for open studio. But the art therapists' open studio sessions resulted in "more empowerment, creativity and improved mood, which are significant for individuals striving to improve their quality of life and make lasting change", Kaimal said.
